Meet Billy Mitchell of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Billy Mitchell.

Hi Billy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
“My story really starts with music. Back in the ’80s, during the Quiet Storm era, I was one of the early artists helping shape what eventually became Smooth Jazz. I didn’t think of it that way at the time. I was just about making the kind of music I loved, in a way that spoke to people. Those early years taught me that creativity is really about evolution, and that theme has followed me ever since.
As time went on, I found myself drawn not only to performing but also to helping others find their voice. In 2002 I founded SAPPA, a music workshop program, and in 2010 the Watts-Willowbrook Music Academy. These tuition free after-school music programs give kids in the community the opportunity to learn, grow, and shine. I’ve seen firsthand how music can change a young person’s life.
I never stopped being an artist myself. Even into my eighties, I stay active by working out in the gym a few times a week and continue creating. I’ve been exploring ways to blend music genres, and just recently released an EP as a vocal artist, for the first time. I’ve always recorded as a pianist, so this is all about reinvention and showing that it’s never too late to create something new.
Most recently, I’ve been producing jazz pianist Yuko Mabuchi and Brazilian singer/songwriter, SANTOZ. They are both incredible talents, and have allowed me to stay connected to the music scene in a different way.
So, how did I get here? Really by following the music, staying open to new directions, and always believing that creativity and service can go hand in hand. Every chapter of my life has been about growing, and reinventing myself while working to lift others up along the way.”

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all. One of my biggest challenges came from being a self-taught musician. I learned by ear, by instinct, and by passion, but when real opportunities started coming my way, I realized I wasn’t fully prepared. I actually had to go back to school as an adult just to learn the basics I never had. And let me tell you, that’s not easy. Sitting in classrooms with students much younger than me, trying to catch up on fundamentals, it took humility, discipline, and a lot of late nights.
But that struggle became one of my greatest motivations. I didn’t want young people, especially those in inner-city communities, to face the same obstacles I did. That’s one of the reasons I launched after-school music programs like the Watts-Willowbrook Music Academy. I wanted kids to learn correctly from the start, to have access to real instruction, real instruments, and real opportunities long before adulthood. If they can build a foundation early, the doors that open for them won’t feel intimidating, they’ll feel achievable.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth. But every bump shaped my mission, my music, and my commitment to give the next generation a better start than I had.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve lived several creative lives, but they all connect to one purpose: using music to inspire, uplift, and open doors for others.
I began my journey as an artist during the Quiet Storm era, when Smooth Jazz was just forming, when we were blending jazz, R&B, and melody in a way that hadn’t quite been defined yet. That experience shaped my understanding of how music evolves, and how artists must reinvent themselves to stay authentic.
Today, I continue to write and create music, blending elements in a way that speaks to both casual listeners and true aficionados. I’m especially excited about my EP, which celebrates reinvention at any age. At 82, I’m still stretching, lifting, learning, and building. I want my journey to remind people that creativity doesn’t expire. I also produce the incredible jazz pianist Yuko Mabuchi, focusing on helping her reach the right venues, the right audiences, and the right representation in the jazz world.
In 2002 I founded SAPPA, an after-school music program, and most recently the Watts-Willowbrook Music Academy. I know firsthand what it feels like to be talented but unprepared. As a self-taught musician, I eventually had to go back to school as an adult just to learn the basics so I could take advantage of the opportunities coming my way. That struggle is what drives me to make sure inner-city kids get proper training early. I want their doors to be easier to open than mine were.
I think that what might set me apart is my combination of experience, resilience, and service. Few people have been blessed to lived inside the evolution of several eras of jazz while also dedicating themselves to the next generation. I bring a perspective that spans six decades of creating, performing, scuffling, managing, growing, learning, and working with youngsters. I’m most proud of the young lives changed through music, and of the fact that I’ve never stopped learning or reinventing myself. In everything I do, my music, my management work, and my nonprofit programs, I’m committed to leaving people better than I found them. Hopefully, that will be my legacy.

What are your plans for the future?
My new EP “After the Keys” celebrates reinvention at any age. It reflects my belief that creativity evolves with time, and I intend to keep producing music that blends jazz, classical, and contemporary influences in ways that resonate with a wide range of listeners. I’m also excited to pursue is engaging more with senior communities. At 82, I understand deeply how important creativity is to stay vibrant and connected. I’d love to perform more for senior audiences and even develop workshops that encourage older adults to revisit the artistic talents they may have set aside earlier in life. I want seniors to feel empowered to reignite those sparks. It’s never too late to return to something you once loved.
Yuko Mabuchi is an extraordinary jazz pianist, and together we’re working on projects that transcend genre labels and speak to people across cultures and musical backgrounds. We’re also working to open more national and international opportunities for her. Helping her reach new audiences is a core part of my mission.
I’m deeply committed to the growth of the Watts-Willowbrook Music Academy. One of my major goals is to develop a first-class youth orchestra, an ensemble that showcases the talent, discipline, and brilliance of young musicians from inner-city communities. We want children to have access not just to lessons, but to a world-class performance experience that can change the trajectory of their futures.
As for big changes? At 83, I’m still reinventing myself, embracing new sounds, new technologies, and new ways of reaching people. I’m even exploring ways to document my journey, possibly through a book or film, so young artists can see what’s possible with perseverance and purpose.
Ultimately, I’m looking forward to continuing the work I love creating meaningful music, supporting remarkable artists like Yuko, and building programs that offer young people the chance to learn, grow, and shine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://billy-mitchell.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billymitchellkeys
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billymitchellkeys
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/billymitchellkeys
• Other: https://billymitchellproductions.com/

Image Credits
Kentaro Terra