George Mitchell (musician)

George Mitchell, (27 February, 1917 - August, 2002) was a Scottish musician, best known for having devised the long-running "Black and White Minstrel Show".

Born in Stirling, Scotland, Mitchell's grandfather was well-known Scottish choir master John Laing, and both of his parents were amateur singers. He was educated at Southgate County School in North London. [http://www.southgatecountyschool.co.uk/pupils.php Southgate County School notable former pupils] Accessed 4th June 2007] Mitchell was a pianist before his World War II military service. During the war, he organised choirs within the forces, and afterwards he formed the George Mitchell Choir for BBC radio. After some success, the name was changed to the George Mitchell Glee Club, and it continued in that form until 1957, when the George Mitchell Minstrels were created. In 1958, the Minstrels, in red make-up which looked black on camera, transferred to television.

The show appeared in a prime-time slot for twenty years, but during the 1970s its popularity declined, partly because of the style of music and partly because of racial awareness, it was not politically correct, and it was axed by the BBC after several unsuccessful attempts to change the format. It continued on stage until 1992, but Mitchell himself retired to the United States, leaving his son, Rob Mitchell, to lead the ensemble in his place.

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