Creator

Fieldworker/Collector

Subject

Geographic Term

Description

One reel-to-reel recording. Mitchell, born in Greensboro, Alabama, first moved to Florida in 1949. Eventually, he was hired by Capells Shoe Store to shine (and later repair) shoes. Florida Folk Festival director Thelma Boltin discovered him in the early 1970s, and he performed at several festivals thereafter. He does not sing (he usually has a harmonica player accompany him) but rather creates a syncopated beat with his rag. In the interview, he discusses his early life, moving to Florida, working at the shoe store, performing his shoe shine rag, and gives examples of his skill.