WWOZ mourns the passing of bassist and music entrepreneur Mitchell Player.

A native of Shreveport, Player moved to New Orleans after graduating from Grambling State University and built a career deeply rooted in the city's traditional jazz community. He became a regular presence at Preservation Hall and other New Orleans venues, learning the traditional repertoire from the musicians who welcomed him into the community and sharing the stage with generations of New Orleans jazz artists.

Player was also a dedicated advocate for the business side of music. He founded Player Productions and became the booking agent for trumpeter Leroy Jones, helping take the band on national and international tours. He continued producing music and festivals, including the 504 Festival, which supported The Jazzy Hideaway and its work providing music training to young people in rural Louisiana.

Through his work as a musician, producer, entrepreneur, and mentor, Mitchell Player contributed to both the preservation of Louisiana's musical traditions and their future.

WWOZ extends our best wishes to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Services will be held at Charbonnet-Labat-Glapion Funeral Home (1615 St. Philip St.) on Saturday, September 19 starting with vistation at 9am and services starting at 10am. A second line procession will immediately follow the service with a funeral procession commencing directly after the second line to the burial site at Beech Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Clinton.