Shedrick Mitchell

Shedrick Mitchell’s musical journey spans twenty-five years, encompassing a wide array of genres and legendary artists. Beginning in his St. Louis church, he discovered his passion for piano at a young age, nurturing a diverse musical repertoire that would shape his future. Formal classical training, coupled with gospel influences, provided a solid foundation. Shedrick’s early experiences in church revealed the profound impact music has on listeners, a lesson he cherished. A pivotal moment occurred when he encountered Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue,” introducing him to the world of jazz and improvisation. Shedrick’s move to New York City enabled him to study with renowned pianists, further honing his craft amidst a thriving jazz community. Recommendation by Mulgrew Miller led Shedrick to join Kenny Garrett’s band, touring internationally and contributing to the album “Simply Said.” His collaborations extended to jazz luminaries like Dee Dee Bridgewater, Christian McBride, and others. In 2003, Shedrick embarked on a nine-year journey as Whitney Houston’s accompanist, performing on global platforms. Simultaneously, he continued his dedication to jazz and church music. His career flourished with collaborations alongside Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, and Maxwell, culminating in remarkable performances such as Super Bowl XL halftime show and co-producing Maxwell’s recordings. Shedrick’s extraordinary journey included the privilege of accompanying “The Queen,” Aretha Franklin, for two years, highlighted by a White House performance for President Barack Obama. Notably, his distinctive playing allowed both Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin to reconnect with their gospel roots during performances. With four Grammy Awards and over 200 recorded works spanning diverse genres, Shedrick’s journey endures. In June 2020, he released his second solo recording, “Time – Reflections – Distance,” aiming to address contemporary challenges through music. While achieving success as a musician, arranger, and producer, Shedrick remains committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians through teaching and mentoring. Rooted in his foundation, he finds solace and passion in playing piano and organ at his local church on any given Sunday.