Kim Mitchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kim Mitchell
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| Background information | |
| Born | July 10, 1952 |
| Genres | Rock, hard rock, progressive rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1973–present |
| Labels | Anthem, Alert |
| Associated acts | Max Webster |
Joseph Kim Mitchell (born July 10, 1952) is a famous Canadian rock musician. He was the lead singer and guitarist for the band Max Webster before starting his own successful solo career. His song "Go for Soda" became an international hit in 1984. Other popular songs in Canada include "Patio Lanterns", "Rock and Roll Duty", and "Rockland Wonderland".
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Kim Mitchell grew up in Sarnia, Ontario, and went to St. Clair Secondary School. In the 1970s, he started playing music with local bands in Sarnia. After some changes, his band "Zooom" moved to Toronto. Later, Kim traveled to the Greek islands before returning to Canada to continue his music journey.
Kim Mitchell's Music Career
Starting with Max Webster (1972–1982)
When Kim Mitchell came back to Canada, he teamed up with his friend Pye Dubois from Sarnia. Together, they formed the band Max Webster. This band toured a lot and created many popular songs. Kim Mitchell was the lead singer and guitarist for Max Webster.
Solo Success and Hit Songs (1982–2003)
Kim Mitchell decided to start his solo career in 1982. He released a mini-album that year, trying out a new sound. Songs like "Chain of Events" showed off his unique guitar playing and singing.
In 1985, his song "Go for Soda" from the album Akimbo Alogo became a big hit around the world. It's still one of his most recognized songs outside of Canada. His next album, Shakin' Like a Human Being (1986), was even more successful in Canada. It featured popular songs like "Alana Loves Me", "Easy to Tame", and his biggest hit, "Patio Lanterns".
In 1989, his album Rockland was highly praised and reached the highest chart position of his career. Kim also played guitar on a song for Tom Cochrane in 1992 and even appeared on the TV show The Kids in the Hall. In 1995, he performed at the Kumbaya Festival to help raise money for AIDS research.
Later Years and Achievements (2004–Present)
From 2004 to 2015, Kim Mitchell worked as a radio host on Q107, a classic rock station in Toronto. In 2004, he received the National Achievement Award from SOCAN for his contributions to music.
In 2006, he played a guitar solo on a song for the band Barenaked Ladies. Kim Mitchell has also opened concerts for famous bands like Def Leppard, Aerosmith, and Van Halen. His eighth studio album, Ain't Life Amazing, came out in 2007.
In January 2016, Kim Mitchell had a heart attack and needed emergency surgery. He recovered and continued his music career. On May 21, 2020, he was honored by being inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He officially received the award in 2021. In October 2021, Kim Mitchell played a sold-out show in Point Edward, Ontario, with over 6,000 people attending the event.
Awards and Recognition
Juno Awards
Kim Mitchell has won several Juno Awards, which are like Canada's Grammy Awards:
- 1983 – Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year
- 1987 – Album of the Year: Shakin' Like A Human Being
- 1990 – Male Vocalist of the Year
Television Appearances
Kim Mitchell has made several appearances on TV shows:
- He had a cameo on the show Twitch City.
- In 2005, he played a taxi driver on an episode of Puppets Who Kill.
- On the Canadian sitcom Trailer Park Boys, one of his songs, "Go For Soda", was played.
- He appeared in a skit on The Kids in the Hall, where he taught older people how to tune an electric guitar.
- His song "Go For a Soda" was also featured in an episode of Miami Vice.
Family Life
Kim Mitchell has two sons, Josh and Jesse. Jesse works with his father as a drum technician and road manager, helping him with his tours and performances.
Discography Highlights
Kim Mitchell has released many albums and singles throughout his career. Some of his most popular albums include:
- Akimbo Alogo (1984) – This album featured his international hit "Go for Soda".
- Shakin' Like a Human Being (1986) – This was his most successful album in Canada, with hits like "Patio Lanterns".
- Rockland (1989) – This album reached the highest chart position of his career.
He has also released live albums and compilation albums featuring his greatest hits.
See also
- Max Webster
- Canadian rock
- Music of Canada
- Juno Award
