5 Things to Know About Willie Mitchell’s Production of Al Green’s Recordings

Willie Mitchell produced all of Al Green’s recordings on the album An Even Better Collection. Mitchell was Al Green’s longtime collaborator at Hi Records in Memphis.

Mitchell’s production style defined the classic Al Green sound. He favored tight, soulful arrangements with a prominent rhythm section and smooth horn lines.

The partnership between Mitchell and Green was one of the most successful in soul music. Their work together produced multiple hit singles and albums throughout the 1970s.

Mitchell also played a key role in shaping Green’s vocal delivery. He often encouraged Green to sing with more restraint and emotion, which became a signature.

The recordings were made at Hi Records’ studio in Memphis, Tennessee. This studio’s unique acoustics and Mitchell’s engineering expertise contributed to the warm, live sound.