McKinley Mitchell
McKinley Mitchell was an influential American soul-blues singer known for his gospel-rooted vocals and Chicago soul sound. Born on December 25, 1934, in Jackson, Mississippi, Mitchell began his musical journey in gospel music as a teenager. By age 16, he fronted the Hearts of Harmony group, later performing with outfits in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia before moving to Chicago in 1958.
His debut single, "Rock Everybody Rock" (backed with "Lazy Dizzy Daisy"), came out around 1959 on Boxer Records, blending raw Chicago blues and rock elements. The pivotal hit "The Town I Live In" followed in 1962 on Chicago's One-der-ful label, reaching number eight on the US Billboard R&B chart and establishing his soul style.
Mitchell released singles on labels like Sandman, Black Beauty, and Spoonful, then returned to Mississippi in the 1970s, reviving his career with "Trouble Blues" in 1976 on Malaco's Chimneyville imprint. He recorded the album I Won't Be Back for More in 1984 and passed away from a heart attack on January 18, 1986, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, at age 51.
McKinley Mitchell
Written-By – B. Patterson, J. Strickland
4:12
A2 You're So Fine
Written-By – Larry Finnie, Will Scofield
2:35
A3 The Town I Live In
Written-By – McKinley Mitchell
3:34
A4 Same Old Dream
Written-By – McKinley Mitchell
4:30
A5 You Know I've Tried
Written-By – McKinley Mitchell
3:18
B1 Run To Love
Written-By – McKinley Mitchell
4:00
B2 Dream Lover
Written-By – Bobby Darin
2:49
B3 The End Of The Rainbow
Written-By – McKinley Mitchell
3:33
B4 Mr. Music Man
Written-By – McKinley Mitchell
3:02
B5 Follow The Wind
Written-By – McKinley Mitchell
4:00
Label: Chimneyville Records – CH-203
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Southern Soul, Deep Soul
McKinley Mitchell’s self-titled 1978 album on Chimneyville Records is a respected southern soul and blues record featuring a raspy, passionate vocal performance reminiscent of Bobby Blue Bland or ZZ Hill. Produced with a laidback,, under-polished, and authentic late-70s vibe, it highlights Mitchell’s skills on tracks like "The End of the Rainbow," "Run To Love," and "Open House At My House".
The album features a blend of deep soul and blues, described as having a sound that feels earlier than 1978. The record is characterized by a "laidback and under-polished" sound with backing from a tight studio group. Features backing production and musical support from James Stroud.
Highlights include the ballads "The End of the Rainbow" and "Same Old Dream," alongside the uptempo "Open House At My House" and "You're So Fine".
While sometimes noted for a mix of strong ballads and more pedestrian blues shuffles, it is a highly regarded, rare full-length showcase for the soul singer.
This album remains a staple for fans of Southern Soul and is considered a solid, if slightly uneven, representation of McKinley Mitchell's talent.
The album holds high user ratings on community platforms, including a 4.71/5 on Discogs based on user contributions. It has been reissued several times, including a Japanese domestic press that includes bonus tracks.