WILLIAM MITCHELL, 94, on June 29 in Placenta, California after suffering multiple injuries from a recent fall. A stellar ragtime pianist since 1950, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of rags and could play hundreds from memory.
His style was described as lightly swinging, unpretentious and authentic. He was one of the founders of the Maple Leaf Club that merged with the Red Leaf Club in 1998. He wrote reviews for several publications and will be remembered for his love of music and his encouraging words to all who love ragtime.
