Sherman Mitchell

Sherm, as I have previously mentioned, was a dear soul to me as a young person interested in music, and especially, jazz. The person part was even more important than the music part. Among many occasions being with him, I have great memories of returning home to Cleveland from summers teaching at Interlochen, where my wife and I stopped by Sherm's house and hung out with him. Love ya, Sherm!!

Gone but never forgotten.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. We all miss you! Heaven is having the biggest jam session daily.

remember Keith and Sherman visiting at our home. What a delight. I didnt know of Sherman passing until about a week ago. My memories of Sherman are so sweet. He was there when I had birthday, graduation, wedding. All my major life events. He was proud of his children. Always shared positive thoughts.

Seven years ago tomorrow (May 4), my dad transcended into heaven. His life was remarkable. Dad did not achieve all of his dreams, but he lived his life to the fullest. Music was in his blood and danced in his mind. He was born to be a musician. From his early days at Flint Central High School to his last days when he had to sit on a stool or chair to play his magic notes, my dad shared his musical gifts with thousands. From the famous to the unknown, Sherm's music permeated his beloved jazz...

Love when he came over. My boy friend and a few friend would play in my garage. Sherm would say to me " come join us. I said " I have no instrument to play. So he walks over to my tool box and pick up a chisel and a bottle out of the recycle box. Then he rub the chisel up and down the bottle. I will never forget that day.
Miss you Sherm God Bless

It was around 1956, I was a young (20) trombone player new to Flint. Joined the Musicians Union and started getting gigs. One night I show up for a Bob Alexander Band gig (remember them?) and who is sitting in 1st chair - Sherman Mitchell! He was about 26 at the time - young and full of fire! I was so nervous I kept making these mistakes. My reading skills were miserable.At one point Kip Alexander, bandleader, came over and told the trombones to "tighten up". Sherm fired back, "If we get any...

We all miss you dad! Your great-granddaughter would have you laughing a lot. I know that you continue to watch over us. Love forever, Bev

I remember an incident in Sherm's later years when his health problems were beginning to show. He was sitting-in on a Cliff Monear gig and at a break he came to sit with me at my table. I said, "Sounding good, Sherm!" He replied, "Oh I'm not the player I used to be. Sometimes I just have to skip a couple of notes to catch-up. And places where I used to be able to triple-tongue, I can barely double-tongue now." I said, "SHERMAN MITCHELL! Do you remember a conversation we had where I was...