By Tammy Soft Santa Monica
I am saddened to report the loss of one of our beloved street performers, James Mitchell, Jr. A lot of you knew him for his Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and gospel songs. He has played on Third Street, in front of the Gap, and on the Venice boardwalk. A lot of us that knew him will always remember him for his famous phrase, “Praise God.” He was like an adopted dad to me, and a lot of others that knew him. We will all miss him dearly. There will be a candlelight vigil in memory of James on Thursday, March 25th, at 5:00 pm in the center court of the Santa Monica Boulevard/Arizona Avenue block of the Promenade for those who wish to honor the memory of James Mitchell, Jr. Goodbye, James. We love you and miss you. You will forever be in our hearts.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 23, 2004. Read the original PDF.