Mitch Mitchell, Hendrix drummer, dead at 61

PORTLAND, Ore. — Mitch Mitchell, the drummer for Jimi Hendrix's seminal 1960s rock trio that melded blues, avant-garde jazz, folk music and electronic noise, has died. He was 61.

Erin Patrick, a deputy medical examiner in Multnomah County, said Mr. Mitchell, one-time drummer for the legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience, was found dead early Wednesday in his room at the Benson Hotel in downtown Portland.

She said Mitchell apparently died of natural causes. An autopsy is planned.

Mr. Mitchell was touring with the Experience Hendrix Tour, which performed Friday in Portland. It was the last stop on the West Coast portion of the tour, which stopped Thursday at the Paramount Theater in Seattle.

In a review Saturday of the Nov. 6 show, Seattle Times music critic Patrick MacDonald described Mr. Mitchell as looking frail but in good spirits.

Hendrix, one of music's most celebrated guitarists, joined with Mr. Mitchell and bass player Noel Redding to create the Jimi Hendrix Experience in London in 1966. The next year, the band released its debut album, "Are You Experienced?" featuring the tracks "Hey Joe" and "Purple Haze."

The group dissolved shortly before Hendrix's death in 1970. Redding died in 2003.

Mr. Mitchell played with Hendrix at Woodstock after the Experience broke up. Along with bassist Billy Cox, he also worked with the guitarist on 1970's "Cry of Love" album.