Danny Mixon

Daniel Asbury Mixon was born in Harlem, New York. Danny began his artistic expression as a tap dancer. He was a student of the Ruth Williams Dance Studio and even at the tender age of ten was known as “the show stopper.” Danny attended the High School of Performing Arts with Dance as his major

During an afternoon outing at the Apollo Theatre with his grandfather, Danny was inspired by the jazz musicians he heard. It was then that he decided he wanted to play the piano. At the age of fifteen Danny began piano lessons with Mr. Cecil. However, his most memorable teacher was Roland Hanna.

At 17 years of age, while employed at a fabric company, Danny was invited to play with Sam Brown’s band backing Patti Labelle & the Blue Bells in Atlantic City at Reggie’s Cocktail Lounge. He never went back to the fabric business and Danny has never looked back.

By age 19 Danny found himself in Europe with the Muse Quartet under the auspice of Chris White. Then Danny worked with Art Blakely, next Kenny Durham, then Cecil Payne. His first professional organ gig was with Carlos Garnet at the Baby Grand in Brooklyn. Danny accompanied Big Maybelle at the Blue Coronet. The singer, Danny is most known for accompanying, is Betty Carter. After which Danny worked extensively with Charles Mingus. He ran the U.S. circuit with Yusef Lateef. Danny enjoyed a few years with the Lionel Hampton Big Band. Since Danny was in his 20’s he has worked continuously with Frank Foster as a pianist for the Big Band; Frank Foster’s Loud Minority, and his quartet – the Non–Electric Company.

Danny Mixon is an accomplished Pianist and Organist who performs all over the world. Danny has also worked with Joe Williams, Mariena Shaw, Oscar Brown, Jr., Dakota Staton, Leon Thomas, Chaka Kahn, Lou Rawls, Gloria Lynn, Lysle Atkinson, Earl May and many others. The Danny Mixon Trio performs annually at the Jazz Mobile. He appears regularly at Showman’s as an Organist.