Jim Mitchell’s journey to becoming a successful country music artist hasn’t been easy.
Over the years, while cutting his teeth at clubs in Fort Worth and Nashville, the Bensalem native often slept on friends’ couches and wondered where his next meal would come from. And, just as he was about to land one of his biggest gigs to date, Mitchell was called home to Pennsylvania to take care of his son, who doctors said would need brain surgery.
“I thought that was the end of my career,” Mitchell told The Times.
But the saying is, good things happen when you least expect it, and Mitchell is a prime example of this sentiment. After spending the latter part of his life honing his songwriting craft in Bensalem, Mitchell connected with the Danny DeGennaro Foundation – a nonprofit formed in memory of the late Levittown musician that provides scholarships and mentoring to local up-and-coming artists. He performed at a number of the foundation’s fundraising concerts.
When foundation members John Austin Mulhern and Ed Mero created the Danny DeGennaro Foundation Record Label and DDF Jam Publishing earlier this year, they knew Mitchell had to be part of the project. The musician of 30 years was signed, and all parties involved couldn’t be more excited.
“He’s at the top of his game. The guy’s a prolific songwriter,” said Mero. “Everybody loves him. It’s a perfect match. And he looks just like Danny in his 30s and 40s. He’s a spitting image. He even has the same mannerisms.”
Mitchell described the opportunity as a “match made in heaven.”
“It wasn’t like I was out knocking on doors trying to make things happen. I was just trying to remain myself, and try to maintain some sense of freedom. And don’t you know it, they found me,” he said. “Somebody came along and saw what I was and they want in. It’s just luck.”
Currently, Mitchell is finishing up a four-song EP at SonLight Productions in Perkasie, slated for release in early 2021. While recording, Mitchell had his beloved Repeat Offenders band by his side. The group consists of Jack Stanton (steel guitar), Ray Roller (lead guitar), Steve Campbell (drums) and Troy McAllister (bass). Mitchell has played with most of the members for over 20 years through all of the ups and downs.
“We’ve worked so hard for so long,” Mitchell said. “It’s not an easy road to take when you believe in what you’re doing and there’s no money to show for it and you’re playing little clubs. And then here we are. Not that we’ve made any money yet or anything, but it looks like things are definitely taking off in the right direction.”
When asked to describe his music, Mitchell said he and The Repeat Offenders are “outlaw country guys” who offer a perfect blend of classic and modern.
“I’ve always been a little blue grassy and old timey and old country. Hank Williams, that’s always been my thing. But when you’re playing out at the bars and clubs and open up for these different artists, you’ve got to be a bit more rockin’ to keep their interest,” he said. “We’ve developed our sound to be this hybrid of old-time country and rock and roll, and we like where we’re at right now. I think the mass appeal is much better.”
Along with Williams, Mitchell grew up idolizing artists such as Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family. In addition to the SonLight EP, the Danny DeGennaro Foundation landed Mitchell the chance to record a second EP at the legendary Victor Records. Located in Camden, New Jersey, giants like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and, of course, Rodgers and The Carter Family, graced the studio with their iconic voices.
“It’s overpowering,” said Mitchell. “How often do you get to sign where your heroes were?”
The Victor EP will likely be released soon after the SonLight one, and as a songwriter, Mitchell can’t wait to “have his babies born.”
“It’s one thing to look at it in a book. It’s another thing when it actually takes shape and is recorded and out there, so it always makes you feel good as a songwriter,” he said.
The chance to get the music of The Repeat Offenders out into the world came at the perfect time. Thanks to COVID-19 shutdowns, the group hasn’t been able to play live shows and reach a broader fanbase in months. Mitchell usually had 150 performances scheduled annually, with past experiences including opening for Tanya Tucker at the 1988 Pennsylvania State Fair, as well as Brooks & Dunn, Waylon Jennings and Marty Stuart.
Looking back on his time as a starving artist, Mitchell admitted there were many moments he thought about quitting. But this decision would have disappointed his loved ones and fans, and even moreso, himself. He’s glad he stuck it out. He’s also glad he returned to Bucks County to be with his son, who was actually experiencing symptoms of a sports concussion rather than something more serious. Mitchell is now the proud grandfather of two grandchildren.
It’s the best of both worlds.
“I got to be a part of all that stuff and it might not have happened if things had gone differently,” he said. “I’m not bitter. I got to live normally and that’s priceless.”
The Danny DeGennaro Foundation is offering a select number of fans the opportunity to order a limited-edition vinyl 33 rpm album of the SonLight EP at GoFundMe.com by searching for “Jim Mitchell & The Repeat Offenders.”
Visit therepeatoffenders.net for more information or follow the band on Facebook by searching for “Jim Mitchell and The Repeat Offenders.”
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
