Chatting With Boo Mitchell: Owner of Royal Studios in Memphis

As a Memphis-based company, we are always excited to talk with some of our city's VIPs. And we're pumped Lawrence 'Boo' Mitchell, son of the legendary Memphis music producer Willie Mitchell, found time to give us a peek into his world.





Boo Mitchell (left) with brother Archie Mitchell

Willie Mitchell changed the face of music in the '60s and '70s when he produced acts such as Al Green, Ann Peebles, and others soul icons. And his son Boo Mitchell was there for most of. Once he was old enough to follow in his father's footsteps, Boo joined the family business and started producing music. Currently he's working with new artists in his Memphis recording studio.

Here, Boo talks about growing up around legends, what he loves about Memphis, and the best advice he ever received from his father Willie...

ful: You grew up surrounded by some of music's biggest legends, including your father. What's your favorite memory during that time?
Boo Mitchell: One of my favorite memories was at a Jackson's concert in the mid '70s. Right after the show Jackie and Tito came and got my brother and me and took us backstage to meet Michael and his brothers. They yelled "Hey, Mitchell boys..." I mean, come on!

ful: What's the greatest piece of advice your father ever gave you?
BM: The greatest piece of advice would be to treat people with compassion.

ful: Who are some of your favorite artists you've worked with? Why?
BM: Al Green, John Mayer, and Solomon Burke.

Al is charismatic and full of energy. He gives everyone a charge when he's around.

John is very laid back, cool, and uncomplicated. The exact opposite of what you would expect of someone with his accomplishments.

Solomon Burke. Mr. Unpredictable. He never sings anything the same way twice. You just press record and hold on!

ful: What artist would you love to work with?
BM: One artist I would love to work with is Justin Timberlake. Partly because he's from Memphis, but mostly because he is extremely talented and creative.

ful: What song (or songs) moves you each and every time you hear it?
BM: One song that moves me most is Al Green's "Let's Stay Together." It's special to me because it was written and produced by my father, Willie Mitchell.

ful: What's the most exciting part about working in the music industry?
BM: Working with people that have amazing talent.

ful: What are you working on right now? What are you hoping to do in the next few years?
BM: Currently I'm finishing production on the Alaskan duo "Deering and Down."
They have a unique sound: it's like soul, folk, and country all rolled into one. In the next few years I would like to create a boutique record company and release some of the special projects I’ve been working on.

ful: What's your favorite kind of music? Favorite artists?
BM: I don't really have a favorite kind of music. I like everything from Alanis Morissette to Jay-Z. Some of my favorite artists: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Black Eyed Peas, Louie Armstrong, Likin Park, Robin Thicke, Al Green, and India Arie.

ful: You call Memphis home: what is the best part of living there?
BM: One of the best things about living in Memphis is its rich musical heritage. Rock and roll was born here, soul was invented here, the blues were made famous here, and great music is still being made here.