ELLA MITCHELL: Celebrating a Life Well-Lived
VIEW SLIDE SHOW OF MOMENTS WITH ELLA MITCHELL
READ ELLA MITCHELL'S OBITUARY BELOW
If anyone should ever write, my life story. / For whatever reason there might be.
The year 1935 was reeling from challenges and conflicts around the globe. That year the world was given hope thanks to four births: On February 28, DuPont chemist Wallace Hume Carothers invented nylon, the first completely synthetic fabric. Famed educator Mary McLeod Bethune founds the National Council of Negro Women on December 5. His Holiness, The 14th Dalai Lama, was born in China on July 6. And on September 14, Ozella and Charlie welcomed a baby girl filled with joy and curiosity. They named her Ella Mae Louise Elizabeth Gertrude Mitchell.
A native of Ahoskie, North Carolina, her family relocated to New York when she was a young child. She began singing when she was 7 and was educated in local schools ultimately graduating from The School of Life. The School of Life empowered her to live her life boldly, never shying away from telling people about the Goodness of God. The School of Life called her to a life of adventure and creative artistry. More than anything, The School of Life affirmed what she knew in spirit and in truth: she was a Child of God. Her overflowing belief in God and love for gospel music began at an early age, leading her to embrace Jesus Christ as her Savior.
Her first professional experience singing was as a member of Mitchellaires, her family’s gospel group (she would replicate this experience later in life when she founded the singing group, Sweet Honesty and Company, which included her son and daughter). Even as a child she sang with the fervor and conviction of a seasoned saint. She soon was performing with Professor Charles Taylor and Kitty Parham. As the sheer number of invitations for the trio to perform skyrocketed, they needed a name. Her mother christened them the Gospel All-Stars and they went on to record a number of albums and were one of the first gospel groups to sing at Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater.
God has blessed me…there’s never been a time in my life, / He didn’t bring me through.
She met Robert Moses Holt, they were united in holy matrimony at Glorious Church of God in Christ in 1972, and together they raised their children, Robert, Eltra, and Elton. Her three children saw a mother who was tenacious and determined. Theirs was a mother who loved all genres of music and all of God’s people. She relished time with family and friends and watching Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud. She loved the Winter season and the color orange. Palm Sunday was meaningful to her and she especially enjoyed receiving palms from her pastor when she was unable to attend church services. She conveyed her love in the banana pudding and succotash she made and in the hugs and smiles she shared. Theirs was a mother who was kind and generous–perhaps too giving to some people. Ultimately, she knew that people are the hands and feet of God.
Her extraordinary talent as a gospel singer led her to national fame from her appearances on TV Gospel Time hosted by Rev. James Cleveland, The David Frost Show, and An American Christmas with James Earl Jones and Burt Lancaster. Her appearances on The Electric Company and Sesame Street introduced her to a new generation. In fact, it was her captivating performance during Sesame Street’s fourth season which included a soulful rendition of The Gospel Alphabet, that endeared her to millions of viewers.
She starred as Jewel in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She was lead singer for the movie, Lord Shango. She was the understudy to Mabel King during the original Broadway production of The Wiz in 1975. She then starred as Evillene in 1976 in the First National Touring Company then in Broadway Revivals in 1983 and 1994. She appeared in London in The Amen Corner and Trumpets of the Lord in the United States.
She performed with an impressive array of artists over her career including Roberta Flack, Martin Lawrence and Nia Long (Big Momma’s House), Harry Belafonte (Belafonte…Live!), David Frost and Billy Taylor (From David Frost and Billy Taylor - Merry Christmas), Peggi Blu (The Wiz), Patrick Cassidy (Conrack), Carol Dennis, Richard Pryor (Which Way is Up?), Rev. James Cleveland, the Howard Roberts Chorale (as a featured soloist), and for over three decades with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (her powerful gospel vocals are featured in the world-renown ballet, “Revelations”). She has sung, danced, and acted in places far and wide including London, Paris, Broadway, Switzerland, Japan, on the continent of Africa, and across the United States of America.
I’ve had my share of life's ups and downs / God’s been good to me, and the downs have been few.
A member of Actors' Equity Association and life member of the Actors’ Fund of America, she inhabited her characters and communicated through each in a fresh and engaging manner. Her portrayals had a collective healing effect by bringing people to tears or by inviting deep rooted laughter. As a testament of her God-given gift of acting, she received the 1993 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress (Resident Musical) for her portrayal of Edna Graves in the World Premiere of Conrack. She was interviewed by Dr. Gayle F. Wald for her book Shout, Sister, Shout!: The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe about her friendship and recordings with The Godmother of Rock-n-Roll (The Gospel All-Stars were background vocalists for Sister Rosetta). She had an insatiable desire to know and understand the world. She was passionate about the performing arts and founded The Mitchell Acting Guild and Ensemble to help people explore their own creative potential (She wrote, “I organized The Mitchell Acting Guild teaching singing & acting & writing plays from the real life stories my mother told me that happened when she was growing up.”). Her service to the Gospel Music Workshop of America was unparalleled. Whether in her home, in churches, or in venues around the world, she praised God. Later in life, her Gospel Birthday Celebrations became legendary for showcasing gospel luminaries from the Clark Sisters and Donnie McClurkin to Vickie Winans and Richard Smallwood, and from The Caravans and Andre Crouch to Tramaine Hawkins and Dorothy Norwood. She encouraged countless artists who went on to amazing careers including Alicia Keys, Terrence Howard, Jackée Harry, Cheryl Lynn, Peggi Blu, and Jasmine Guy.
You’d be there, between each line of pain and glory. / Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me.
Ella Mitchell Holt IS a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mentor, and friend who endeavored to make the world more beautiful through her artistry and her love of Jesus Christ. She transitioned from this life to eternal joy and peace on July 2, 2024. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ozella Mitchell Delortch; her father, Charlie Noah Mitchell; her husband, Robert Moses Holt; her siblings; her son, Robert Lamont Holt II, and her granddaughter, Jozella Cherry Reaves.
Her life of love, laughter, and music will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew her. Her enduring legacy will be sustained by her children, Eltra Rowvena Holt and Elton Laron “Boom” Holt; her grandchildren, Jamel Holt, Robert Lamont Holt III, Paul Harris, Cory Gatling, Nicole Gatling, Jason Reaves, Joshua Jerrell Reaves, Eltra Jestine (Michael) Lee, Jerremy Isaiah Reaves, and Joy Holt; and her great grandchildren.
Her memory will be cherished by extended family. Others who count it a blessing to have known her include her fellow Acting Guild members and Gospel Music Workshop of America colleagues; members of The Glorious Church of God in Christ, St. Timothy Holy Church, The Greater Refuge Temple Church, and St. Mark Holy Church families; her goddaughter, Tongia Sylla; dear friends, Irene “Muriel” Cumberbatch, Carol Dennis, Anthony Morgan, Anthony Heilbut, Sissy Spann, Claud'Evelyn DeLoatch, and David Thrower; and an ever-growing list of people with whom she developed enduring bonds.
The year 1935 was reeling from challenges and conflicts around the globe. That year the world was given hope thanks to four births: On February 28, DuPont chemist Wallace Hume Carothers invented nylon, the first completely synthetic fabric. Famed educator Mary McLeod Bethune founds the National Council of Negro Women on December 5. His Holiness, The 14th Dalai Lama, was born in China on July 6. And on September 14, Ozella and Charlie welcomed a baby girl filled with joy and curiosity. They named her Ella Mae Louise Elizabeth Gertrude Mitchell.
A native of Ahoskie, North Carolina, her family relocated to New York when she was a young child. She began singing when she was 7 and was educated in local schools ultimately graduating from The School of Life. The School of Life empowered her to live her life boldly, never shying away from telling people about the Goodness of God. The School of Life called her to a life of adventure and creative artistry. More than anything, The School of Life affirmed what she knew in spirit and in truth: she was a Child of God. Her overflowing belief in God and love for gospel music began at an early age, leading her to embrace Jesus Christ as her Savior.
Her first professional experience singing was as a member of Mitchellaires, her family’s gospel group (she would replicate this experience later in life when she founded the singing group, Sweet Honesty and Company, which included her son and daughter). Even as a child she sang with the fervor and conviction of a seasoned saint. She soon was performing with Professor Charles Taylor and Kitty Parham. As the sheer number of invitations for the trio to perform skyrocketed, they needed a name. Her mother christened them the Gospel All-Stars and they went on to record a number of albums and were one of the first gospel groups to sing at Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater.
God has blessed me…there’s never been a time in my life, / He didn’t bring me through.
She met Robert Moses Holt, they were united in holy matrimony at Glorious Church of God in Christ in 1972, and together they raised their children, Robert, Eltra, and Elton. Her three children saw a mother who was tenacious and determined. Theirs was a mother who loved all genres of music and all of God’s people. She relished time with family and friends and watching Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud. She loved the Winter season and the color orange. Palm Sunday was meaningful to her and she especially enjoyed receiving palms from her pastor when she was unable to attend church services. She conveyed her love in the banana pudding and succotash she made and in the hugs and smiles she shared. Theirs was a mother who was kind and generous–perhaps too giving to some people. Ultimately, she knew that people are the hands and feet of God.
Her extraordinary talent as a gospel singer led her to national fame from her appearances on TV Gospel Time hosted by Rev. James Cleveland, The David Frost Show, and An American Christmas with James Earl Jones and Burt Lancaster. Her appearances on The Electric Company and Sesame Street introduced her to a new generation. In fact, it was her captivating performance during Sesame Street’s fourth season which included a soulful rendition of The Gospel Alphabet, that endeared her to millions of viewers.
She starred as Jewel in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She was lead singer for the movie, Lord Shango. She was the understudy to Mabel King during the original Broadway production of The Wiz in 1975. She then starred as Evillene in 1976 in the First National Touring Company then in Broadway Revivals in 1983 and 1994. She appeared in London in The Amen Corner and Trumpets of the Lord in the United States.
She performed with an impressive array of artists over her career including Roberta Flack, Martin Lawrence and Nia Long (Big Momma’s House), Harry Belafonte (Belafonte…Live!), David Frost and Billy Taylor (From David Frost and Billy Taylor - Merry Christmas), Peggi Blu (The Wiz), Patrick Cassidy (Conrack), Carol Dennis, Richard Pryor (Which Way is Up?), Rev. James Cleveland, the Howard Roberts Chorale (as a featured soloist), and for over three decades with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (her powerful gospel vocals are featured in the world-renown ballet, “Revelations”). She has sung, danced, and acted in places far and wide including London, Paris, Broadway, Switzerland, Japan, on the continent of Africa, and across the United States of America.
I’ve had my share of life's ups and downs / God’s been good to me, and the downs have been few.
A member of Actors' Equity Association and life member of the Actors’ Fund of America, she inhabited her characters and communicated through each in a fresh and engaging manner. Her portrayals had a collective healing effect by bringing people to tears or by inviting deep rooted laughter. As a testament of her God-given gift of acting, she received the 1993 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress (Resident Musical) for her portrayal of Edna Graves in the World Premiere of Conrack. She was interviewed by Dr. Gayle F. Wald for her book Shout, Sister, Shout!: The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe about her friendship and recordings with The Godmother of Rock-n-Roll (The Gospel All-Stars were background vocalists for Sister Rosetta). She had an insatiable desire to know and understand the world. She was passionate about the performing arts and founded The Mitchell Acting Guild and Ensemble to help people explore their own creative potential (She wrote, “I organized The Mitchell Acting Guild teaching singing & acting & writing plays from the real life stories my mother told me that happened when she was growing up.”). Her service to the Gospel Music Workshop of America was unparalleled. Whether in her home, in churches, or in venues around the world, she praised God. Later in life, her Gospel Birthday Celebrations became legendary for showcasing gospel luminaries from the Clark Sisters and Donnie McClurkin to Vickie Winans and Richard Smallwood, and from The Caravans and Andre Crouch to Tramaine Hawkins and Dorothy Norwood. She encouraged countless artists who went on to amazing careers including Alicia Keys, Terrence Howard, Jackée Harry, Cheryl Lynn, Peggi Blu, and Jasmine Guy.
You’d be there, between each line of pain and glory. / Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me.
Ella Mitchell Holt IS a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mentor, and friend who endeavored to make the world more beautiful through her artistry and her love of Jesus Christ. She transitioned from this life to eternal joy and peace on July 2, 2024. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ozella Mitchell Delortch; her father, Charlie Noah Mitchell; her husband, Robert Moses Holt; her siblings; her son, Robert Lamont Holt II, and her granddaughter, Jozella Cherry Reaves.
Her life of love, laughter, and music will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew her. Her enduring legacy will be sustained by her children, Eltra Rowvena Holt and Elton Laron “Boom” Holt; her grandchildren, Jamel Holt, Robert Lamont Holt III, Paul Harris, Cory Gatling, Nicole Gatling, Jason Reaves, Joshua Jerrell Reaves, Eltra Jestine (Michael) Lee, Jerremy Isaiah Reaves, and Joy Holt; and her great grandchildren.
Her memory will be cherished by extended family. Others who count it a blessing to have known her include her fellow Acting Guild members and Gospel Music Workshop of America colleagues; members of The Glorious Church of God in Christ, St. Timothy Holy Church, The Greater Refuge Temple Church, and St. Mark Holy Church families; her goddaughter, Tongia Sylla; dear friends, Irene “Muriel” Cumberbatch, Carol Dennis, Anthony Morgan, Anthony Heilbut, Sissy Spann, Claud'Evelyn DeLoatch, and David Thrower; and an ever-growing list of people with whom she developed enduring bonds.
WATCH VIDEOS FEATURING ELLA MITCHELL
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REFLECTIONS FROM ELLA MITCHELS'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS
STEPHANIE MILLS, friend and fellow artist
Ella Mitchell (Evillene - The Wiz 1983 Revival) Rest in Peace 🕊️ #POWER.🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍 #thewiz
THEWIZHISTORIAN Oz Heaven gained another angel on Tuesday evening! Rest Easy Ms. Ella Mitchell ! She was the understudy for Mabel King as Evillene then took over the role on Broadway and various Wiz tours. She will ALWAYS be remembered, her take on Evillene will always be iconic ! Rest in power ❤️ #ellamitchell#ellamitchellphotography#strongblackwoman#evillene#evillenethewitch#evillenethewickedwitch#thewickedwitch#thewickedwitchofthewest#broadwayblack#blackgirlmagic#dontnobodybringmenobadnews #nobadnews#wonderstudy#thewonderfulwizardofoz#restinpeace #restinpower#bigmommashouse#thewizmusical#thewizonbroadway#thewizbway #thewiz1974#thewiz1975 #thewiz1992#blackroyal #ozhistory#ozhistorian #ozhistory
NEWYORKBLACKARTS
Ella Mitchell was a great woman! Kind, compassionate, big hearted, talented, fierce and a God fearing woman of faith! She was resilient and I never encountered her in a down mood. She suffered losses: children and grandchildren but remained focused on God. She would help you in any way she could. She spoke to me about her journey in life and career wise and would sing on the phone “No Bad News” or the “Monkey Chant” which got my cheers to her laughter. She possessed an “anointed” voice of your familiar with the Pentecostal tradition of evangelical religion. Ella was worldly wise and had a great sense of humor like when she told my tech guy after he asked could he move her wheelchair to a better location for light she responds with a sly wink and smile “you can move me wherever you like!” 😂 Yes flirtatious with class and we “hollered.” I was heartbroken to hear of her passing but she always depended on the Lord and read her Bible and prayed. The faith her mom instilled in her never swayed. Jesus took her to sing with the choir in heaven and if you ever heard her sing “I’m Blessed, Better than Blessed” you will know! Ella I love and miss you. Long live the Queen! 😢❤️🙏💯
Black Male Theatre Summit
Rest in Peace Ella Mitchell…#blacklegacy #bigmamahouse
Many may know her from her portrayal of Evilene in the WIZ or from “Big Mama House” starring Martin Lawrence.