Early Life & Musical Roots
Leroy Phillip Mitchell—better known as Prince Phillip Mitchell—was born on June 27, 1944, in Louisville, Kentucky. Raised in a rural area near the city, he grew up singing in church and quickly developed musical prowess. A multi-instrumentalist, he taught himself guitar and piano and began writing songs early on. As a teenager, he performed with local groups like The Checkmates and The Cash Registers before a stint in the military led him to join the Moonlighters and various touring revues.
Songwriter Extraordinaire
Following a move to Muscle Shoals in 1969, Mitchell signed with a local music publishing division. His songwriting career took off with several significant hits:
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“It Hurts So Good”, first recorded by Katie Love, became a signature song for Millie Jackson and was later covered by Susan Cadogan.
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“Starting All Over Again”, recorded by Mel & Tim, became a pop and soul favorite.
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He also penned classics like “Leftovers” and “A Star in the Ghetto”, the latter performed by Average White Band with Ben E. King.
Mitchell wrote extensively for artists such as Millie Jackson, Bobby Womack, Joe Simon, Candi Staton, and Archie Bell & the Drells, establishing himself as a go-to hitmaker in the soul and R&B worlds.
Solo Career: The Late ’70s
After gaining recognition as a songwriter, Mitchell stepped into the spotlight as a performer. He signed with Atlantic Records in 1977 following his collaboration with jazz artist Norman Connors. His solo discography includes:
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Make It Good (1978): A deeply personal album featuring all original songs. Standout tracks include “One On One,” “You’re All I Got In the World,” and “Star In The Ghetto.”
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Top of the Line (1979): Recorded at Muscle Shoals, it includes gems like “Paying the Price,” “If It Ain’t Love, It’ll Go Away,” and “I’m So Happy.”
His most commercially successful solo single, “One On One,” reached the R&B charts in 1978, solidifying his status as a solo artist with both style and substance.
Later Years & Legacy
Mitchell continued to record into the mid-1980s and early ’90s with releases such as Devastation (1986) and Loner (1991). These works showcased his evolving style while staying true to his soulful roots. He eventually founded his own record label and remained active in live performances, especially in Europe where his cult following grew.
In 2004, a compilation album highlighted his extensive contributions as a songwriter, celebrating his influence across decades of soul music.
Why He Matters
Prince Phillip Mitchell’s career represents a rare combination of talents: a masterful songwriter, a powerful singer, and an insightful producer. While he may not have achieved mainstream superstardom, his music remains essential listening for soul aficionados and fans of deeply emotional, narrative-driven R&B. His work has influenced multiple generations of musicians and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Recommended Listening
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Make It Good (1978) – Especially “One On One” and “Star In The Ghetto.”
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Top of the Line (1979) – Featuring “Paying the Price” and “I’m So Happy.”
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Compilation Albums – Featuring songs written for other major artists.
From his roots in Kentucky to his influence on international soul music, Prince Phillip Mitchell is a shining example of enduring artistry. His blend of Southern grit, melodic sophistication, and heartfelt lyricism cements his place as a cornerstone of classic soul.