The name John Mitchell is so common that even in the early days of the recording industry it was possible to botch the identities of instrumentalists dubbed thusly. Hillbilly music and classic jazz were both extremely popular styles in the '20s and '30s, each with its own John Mitchell, maybe a few. The John Mitchell who played tenor banjo and guitar in hillbilly recording bands should not be confused with the jazz banjoist and guitarist who spent most of his career in Europe. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide