Rubin Mitchell


Rubin Morris Mitchell was an American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his eponymous jazz trio from 1949 through the rest of his life. According to his WWII draft card, he also went by Myles for his middle name.

Early musical career

On October 9, 1949, The Rueben Mitchell Trio accompanied Joan Shaw who was 11 years old at the time and known as "The Hucklebuck Girl", headlining the Rockland Palace, in Miami, Florida.
In August 1951 Mitchell was signed to Columbia Records by J.J. Johnston, however before he could release any music, he was conscripted for the Korean War. He served in Korea from 1952 to 1954. Two early records were released under his birth-name in 1951 and 1953 "After Hours In Haiti" and "Mambo After Hours", both on OKeh Records. In 1957, Reuben Mitchell performed for twenty-eight weeks at the Flamingo Hotel; during this time he accompanied piano for Judy Garland on December 27, 1957. At the Flamingo Club in Las Vegas, he shared bandstands with such top music personalities as Count Basie and Harry James. He has also accompanied Jack Benny and Ray Bolger on the piano. Between 1960 and 1962 he had an 18-month residency at The Flamingo in Las Vegas.

Starmaker Records

The earliest known releases by Rubin Mitchell was on Starmaker Records, a Jazz Label from New York City. First releasing two 7" singles followed by a full-length album. All three releases were recorded at Plaza Sound Studios, most famous for being the rehearsal space for Arturo Toscanini and his symphony orchestra in the 1930s. The Rubin Mitchell Trio had an established a seasonal residency, six nights a week, at The Georgian Hotel in Lake George, New York. The residency at The Georgian lasted for three years.

Albums

Singles

Death

He died in Miami, Florida on December 21, 1972. His wife, Louise, later petitioned for the Army to assist with a gravemarker.