Musician Robert Mitchell Dies at 96

Robert Mitchell, whose Robert Mitchell Boys Choir appeared in classic films including GOING MY WAY and THE BISHOP'S WIFE, has passed away at the age of 96.

Mitchell had a fascinating career. He started out at a young age as an organist in silent movie houses.

He formed the boys' choir in the 1930s and directed it for over six decades. It is touching to note that in his final years Mr. Mitchell was cared for by someone who had been a member of the choir in the 1940s.

A Dimitri Tiomkin website has an interesting article about the choir (scroll down, there isn't a direct permalink); Mitchell was interviewed for the article earlier this year.

Mitchell had yet another interesting job, as the first organist at Dodger Stadium when it opened in 1962. He served as the stadium organist for four years, playing for both the Dodgers and Angels; the Angels played at Dodger Stadium until their own stadium was built in Anaheim.

Mitchell accompanied silent movies on the organ as recently as this year.