While he never achieved across-the-board fame in the music world, Prince Phillip Mitchell is one talented artist and a rare triple threat: singer, songwriter, and producer. Born Leroy Phillip Mitchell in Louisville, Kentucky in 1944, he first found his musical footing in the church before moving into doo-wop, soul, and R&B.
After performing in several small bands, Mitchell found his calling supporting other artists, and by the late ’60s, he was penning hits for names like Millie Jackson, Mel & Tim, Archie Bell & the Drells, and Bobby Womack.
Mitchell’s rich, expressive voice and knack for storytelling made him a natural as a solo artist. In the mid-70s, he signed with Atlantic Records and released his debut album Make It Good in 1978. The album showcased both his vocal finesse and songwriting brilliance, with standouts like “One On One” and “You’re All I Got In the World” gaining traction among soul purists.
His follow-up album, Top of the Line, released in 1979, solidified his standing as a Southern soul stylist with crossover appeal. Tracks like “Pay the Price” and “You’re Gonna Come Back to Love” blended silky grooves with unfiltered vulnerability. Despite critical acclaim, mainstream success remained elusive, and Mitchell returned to writing and producing for others throughout the ’80s and ’90s.
Among his other noteworthy recordings were “A Star in the Ghetto” (written for the Average White Band and Ben E. King) and the smooth steppers favorite “If We Can’t Be Lovers.” Over time, his work found renewed appreciation among soul collectors and UK rare groove aficionados, who embraced his deep cuts and rare sides. His Top of The Line upbeat jam “I’m So Happy” became an international favorite, with millions of streams.
Though he never broke into the upper charts, Prince Phillip Mitchell carved out a lasting legacy as a craftsman of grown-folks soul—deep, real, and richly emotional. His songs continue to resonate with listeners who crave honesty, melody, and a touch of old-school magic.
