This native Floridian was one of Blue Note's solid senders in the ‘60s. When he wasn't appearing as a Horace Silver sideman, Mitchell's own records specialized in good-time textures. His mood-brightening effect was the product of clear, hard-bopping solos and danceable, soul-jazzy main themes, and his bands featured the cream of a rising jazz crop. (Pianists like Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea figure in some of Mitchell's most admired sets.) The trumpeter's convivial sound was perfect for well-judged crossover moves, as he demonstrated in the ‘70s, playing with John Mayall.