Legendary musician and producer Willie Mitchell died this morning in Memphis. He was 81 years old.

Willie Mitchell was a musical legend, and not just on a local level. He ran Royal Recording studio in South Memphis and soul label Hi Records. In addition to releasing his own records, he arranged, recorded and played back-up on countless other recordings.

The list of people who have recorded at Royal Studios is long - Al Green, Ann Peebles, Syl Johnson and John Mayer all worked with Mitchell.

Memphian Ryan Rhea recorded at Royal Studios. There are pictures of the interior of the studio on his blog.

Rest in peace, Willie Mitchell. Your talents will be sorely missed.

The Commercial Appeal has a full obituary for Mitchell with pictures.