Willie Mitchell (1928–2010) was an influential American trumpeter, bandleader, producer, and arranger whose smooth blend of soul, R&B, and instrumental groove helped define the sound of Hi Records in the 1960s and ’70s. Based in Memphis, Mitchell became renowned for his sophisticated yet deeply soulful production style, shaping hits for artists like Al Green and Ann Peebles. His own recordings showcased his signature horn lines and polished rhythms, cementing his legacy as a key architect of the Memphis soul sound and a visionary behind some of the genre’s most enduring classics.