One of the great pillars of the Memphis sound, Willie Mitchell, has died. The musician, songwriter, producer and label head died this morning at about 7:30 a.m. at Methodist University Hospital. He was 81.

Mitchell had been in ill health since September, after suffering a broken hip. In December he went into cardiac arrest and was taken back to the hospital, “where he’s just been holding on,” said his grandson, Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell.

Born on March 1, 1928, Mitchell remained at the forefront of Memphis music for more than six decades, as a trumpeter, bandleader and record maker. He would eventually go on to create one of the most important musical kingdoms with his South Memphis-based Hi Records and Royal Studios.

At Hi he sired some of the most famous instrumental hits of the '60s and shepherded the careers of Al Green and Ann Peebles in the '70s. Even in later years Mitchell stayed busy at his studio, working with up-and-coming talents like John Mayer and Anthony Hamilton.

Most recently, he wrote string and horn arrangements for Rod Stewart’s new album of R&B covers, and produced a still-unreleased album from soul kingpin Solomon Burke.

For his efforts Mitchell was recognized with numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement honor from the Grammys in 2008.

Boo Mitchell says funeral arrangements have not been made, but that there will likely be private services and some sort of public memorial.

Mitchell is survived by two daughters, Yvonne and Lorrain Mitchell, as well as his grandsons Archie and Lawrence, and granddaughter Oona Mitchell.