Mitch Aliotta

Mitchell A. "Mitch" Aliotta (May 30, 1944 – July 22, 2015) was an American vocalist and bassist,[1] who was involved in the psychedelic soul movement in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Aliotta played bass guitar in Rotary Connection,[2] and later formed the trio Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah.[3] He died of complications from diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 2015, at the age of 71.[4][5] Aliotta had four daughters: Amy Wojdak, Michele Roerig, Margaret “Maggie” Aliotta, and Heather Goldenhersh.

Biography

Aliotta was once part of a Chicago based band called the Proper Strangers. Then Marshall Chess, son of Chess Records founder Leonard Chess, recruited the members to form a new group, Rotary Connection. He added Minnie Ripperton, a receptionist for the record company along with studio musicians from the label such as Phil Upchurch and Morris Jennings, and went into the studio to record the band’s self-titled debut album. The album included strings by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and, on two tracks, sitar, to produce a unique blend soul/funk with classical undertones. The band released the album Aladdin in 1968. Three further albums failed to sell enough, so the ban broke up. Aliotta then joined his brother, Ted, and Skip Haynes to form the band Aliotta Haynes Music. Their debut album was released in 1970 and, after Ted left and John Jeremiah joined, the new group Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah released their own debut the same year. Known for the Chicago area hit Lake Shore Drive, the band stayed together through the decade, releasing two more albums. [6] In 2015 he died of obstructive pulmonary disease.

Discography

With Rotary Connection

  • Rotary Connection, 1967
  • Aladdin, 1968
  • Peace, 1968
  • Dinner Music, 1970
  • Hey Love, 1971 (as the New Rotary Connection)

With Aliotta-Haynes-Jeremiah

With Minnie Ripperton
  • Her Chess years, 1997

With Steve Goodman
  • Gathering at the earl of Oldtown, 1970[7]

References
  1. "Mitch Aliotta". Discogs. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  2. Kellman, Andy. "Biography: Rotary Connection". Allmusic. Retrieved May 25, 2010.
  3. Villanch, Bruce (April 25, 1975). A-H-J smell success from a Rose. Chicago Tribune
  4. Doc Rock. "The Dead Rock Stars Club 2015 July to December". Thedeadrockstarsclub.com. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  5. "‘Lake Shore Drive’ bassist Mitch Aliotta dead at 71", chicago.suntimes.com, July 27, 2015.
  6. Wink, Roger; Music, V. V. N. (July 24, 2015). "R.I.P. Mitch Aliotta of Rotary Connection". Noise11.com. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  7. "Mitch Aliotta | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved February 16, 2020.

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