Stars pay tribute to Willie Mitchell

Celebrities from the world of music have paid tribute to late trumpeter and producer Willie Mitchell.

Mitchell died on Tuesday at the age of 81 after suffering a heart attack two weeks ago.

Writing on his band's official website, Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood said: "He made some of the sweetest, slinkiest, soulful records ever.

"I remember years ago round at Jonny's listening to 'That Driving Beat', then devouring all the southern soul records he made."

Former Stax owner and Memphis Music Foundation chairman Al Bell told The New York Times: "We had just gone past what was called race music and blues, which was looked down upon, to this R&B, this soul.

"We worked with each other so we could grow and improve our music, and Willie provided that kind of leadership. His handprint, thumbprint, footprint, heart print is all over Memphis music."

Mitchell's official site has asked fans to send donations to MusiCares in the producer's honour in lieu of flowers.