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 is known for being the lead singer and guitarist for the band Max Webster. After leaving the band, he started a successful solo career.
Mitchell is famous for his hit songs like "Patio Lanterns" and "Rock and Roll Duty." His 1984 song, "Go for Soda", became a hit in the United States and is one of his most well-known songs.
Contents
Early Life and First Bands
Kim Mitchell grew up in Sarnia, Ontario, where he went to St. Clair Secondary School. As a teenager in the 1970s, he started playing guitar in local bands.
He and his band, which had a few different names, decided to move to Toronto to follow their music dreams. The band eventually broke up, and Mitchell took some time to travel to the Greek islands before returning to Canada to start a new chapter in his music career.
Music Career
The Max Webster Years
When Mitchell came back to Canada, he started a new band called Max Webster. He formed the group with Pye Dubois, who was also from Sarnia and wrote many of their lyrics.
Max Webster became very popular in Canada. They toured a lot and had many hit songs. Mitchell was the band's powerful voice and amazing guitarist. He left Max Webster in 1982 to start making music on his own.
Going Solo and Finding Success
After leaving Max Webster, Mitchell began his solo career. He released a mini-album in 1982 to test out his new sound.
In 1985, his song "Go for Soda" from the album Akimbo Alogo became a huge international hit. It's still his most famous song outside of Canada.
His next album, Shakin' Like a Human Being (1986), was a massive success in Canada. It included the hit songs "Alana Loves Me," "Easy to Tame," and his biggest Canadian hit, "Patio Lanterns". In 1989, his album Rockland was also very popular and praised by critics.
Later Career and Radio Host
Throughout the 1990s, Mitchell continued to make music. In 1992, he played guitar on the song "Brave and Crazy" for fellow Canadian musician Tom Cochrane. He also made a fun appearance as himself on the Canadian TV show The Kids in the Hall.
From 2004 to 2015, Mitchell took on a new role as a radio host. He hosted the afternoon show on Q107, a classic rock radio station in Toronto.
Over the years, Mitchell has performed on stage with many famous rock bands, including Def Leppard, Aerosmith, and Van Halen.
Recent Years and Health
In January 2016, Mitchell had a heart attack and needed emergency surgery. He recovered and was soon back to performing.
On May 21, 2020, Mitchell was officially welcomed into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. This is a huge honor that celebrates his amazing work as a songwriter.
In October 2021, he performed a huge concert in Point Edward, Ontario, for over 6,000 fans.
Famous Music
Mitchell has released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his most important ones.
Studio Albums
- Akimbo Alogo (1984)
- Shakin' Like a Human Being (1986)
- Rockland (1989)
- Aural Fixations (1992)
- Itch (1994)
- Ain't Life Amazing (2007)
- The Big Fantasize (2020)
Live and Greatest Hits Albums
- I Am a Wild Party (1990)
- Greatest Hits (1995)
Awards and Honors
Mitchell has won several Juno Awards, which are Canada's biggest music awards.
- 1983: Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year
- 1987: Album of the Year for Shakin' Like A Human Being
- 1990: Male Vocalist of the Year
In 2004, he also received the National Achievement Award from SOCAN for his contributions to Canadian music.
Family Life
Kim Mitchell has two sons, Josh and Jesse. His son Jesse works with him as a drum tech and road manager, helping out when he's on tour.
See also
- Max Webster
- Canadian rock
- Music of Canada
- Juno Award
