Al Green producer Willie Mitchell dies aged 81

Record producer and musician Willie Mitchell, who oversaw many of soul singer Al Green's hits, has died in the US at the age of 81.

As the owner of Hi Records in Memphis, Mitchell produced Green's 1970s songs including Let's Stay Together and I'm Still In Love With You.

The pair teamed up again in 2003 after a break of 18 years for another album.

Mitchell, who suffered a heart attack two weeks ago, most recently worked with Rod Stewart on his Soulbook album.

In 2008, his career was capped with a Grammy award for lifetime achievement.

Four years earlier, a street in Memphis was named in his honour.

Mitchell started his life in music as a trumpeter, entertaining Elvis Presley at his Graceland home with his band for several New Year's Eve parties.

Other artists he worked with over his long production career include Anne Peebles, John Mayer and Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow.

Mitchell's family have yet to announce funeral details, but they have indicated there will be a public memorial service to celebrate his life.