Services for Theater Organist Bob Mitchell

 

Daily Mirror fan Karie Bible of Film Radar reports the death of theater organist Bob Mitchell. Mitchell was a regular feature of the Los Angeles Conservancy's Last Remaining Seats series. He was quite frail at this year's event but it was good to see him. Mitchell's services are scheduled on Friday at 9:30 a.m. at  Christ the King Catholic Church, 624 N. Rossmore Ave. He will be buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Assn. or Boys Town. Here's a field recording I made at Last Remaining Seats a few years ago of Mitchell playing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." Thanks to our friend Jon Weisman of the fabulous Dodger Thoughts blog for reminding us that Mitchell was the first organist at Dodger Stadium. At right, an article from April 10, 1962.

Comments

[Donna Flade]

My Dad was a close friend of Bob's for 50+ years. They were always there for each other. When my Mom died I still remember Bob coming to St.John's Hospital and the look on his face when he heard she was gone. Bob played "Over The Rainbow" for me at the Home Show when I was about 3 or 4 at the Pan Pacific Auditorium oh-so-many years ago, I still remember it....and how he played "Happy Days Are Here Again" at Dodger Stadium when, well, let's just say it was not at a good time for the home team! He played at all of our family weddings and funerals and was Godfather to my first child. To this day I love organ music(Bob would have loved Paul Jacobs). He was scheduled to play for my niece Chrissy's wedding in a couple of weeks...He said he wouldn't miss it...well...he won't because he will be right there in our hearts and minds. Rest well,,,hug my parents for me...Donna...xox

[roxanne]

Although the article did not mention him by name, my brother, Ralph, was one of the "Mitchell Boys" and traveled with them on an ocean liner back in the 50's to perform in Europe (the only economical way to get there back then). He also was the one who went on to perform with the Sandpipers and the Lettermen. Bob played for our church for several years in Redondo Beach. He was a great talent and i will miss him.
R. Jacobsen