Mitch Mitchell Dies at 62

Today the music world has lost a truly iconic figure. Mitch Mitchell, the only surviving member of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, passed away yesterday. Mitch was currently on the Experience Hendrix tour, featuring Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Buddy Guy and many other amazing musicians. Mitchell is credited with being one of the true innovators in fusion drumming, blending jazz and rock together.

Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell was found dead early this morning (Nov. 12) in a Portland, Ore., hotel room, according to representatives for the Hendrix estate. He was 62.

After completing the Experience Hendrix tour in Portland with one-time bandmate Billy Cox and a host of notable musicians on Nov. 7, Mitchell was spending some down time in the city before returning to his native England. He likely died of natural causes, according to the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s office.

“We’re all devastated to hear of Mitch’s passing,” says Experience Hendrix CEO Janie Hendrix. “He was a wonderful man, a brilliant musician and a true friend. His role in shaping the sound of the Jimi Hendrix Experience cannot be underestimated.”

Mitchell joined the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1966, and with late bassist Noel Redding, staffed the formidable rhythm section supporting Hendrix’s era-defining guitar work. He remained with Hendrix through the Experience’s first breakup in mid-1969, playing with him during the artist’s iconic Woodstock performance.

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