June 8, 1958 – February 9, 2026
Mitchell Paul McElwain, age 67 of Winchester, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026. He was born on June 8, 1958, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to the late Donald and Dorothy (Roach) McElwain. Shortly after he was born, his family moved to Murfreesboro. At five years old, Mitchell started playing the drums and studied under musicians Ernie Harris and Tommy Thomas to name a few. He graduated from Riverdale High School in 1976, where he was the first chair in the drum line section four years in a row. He then attended MTSU, becoming a Blue Raider and pursuing an education in music. In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, Mitchell moved to California and performed with Santa Claire Drum Corps International (DCI). His music, which was influenced by Larrie Londin and Buddy Rich, and musicianship are grounded in American Culture, Rock, R & B, Pop, Jazz, and Country. Mitchell’s musical talents could be heard from Nashville to Austin and Europe to the West Coast, spending twenty-five years touring with artists such as Brenda Lee, Steve Miller Band, Eddie Money, Al Green, Leslie Gore, Larry Carlton, Hal Newman and the Mystics of Time, Little Big Men, Midnight Rodeo, Razzie Bailey, the Future, and Phil Kenzie. The last twelve years, he had spent performing with local artist, Alison McCormick. His accolades also included being the number one session player at the famous Bradley Barn in Nashville, where he was Owen Bradley’s favorite drummer, as well as endorsements with DW Drums, Sabian Cymbals, and Vic, Firth, and Evans Drumheads. When not playing music, he enjoyed watching the San Francisco Forty-niners play football. He will be remembered for his contagious personality, as he never met a stranger and lived life to the fullest, and his wonderful sense of humor…he could’ve been a stand-up comedian. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his half-sister, A’lshah Lewis; and four-legged best friend, Kirby. Mitchell is survived by his brother, Mike (Mary) McElwain; a host of nieces and nephews; loving partner and band member whom he referred to as “His Angel,” Alison McCormick; stepdaughter, Alanna Morris; and many friends from the East to West Coast of America. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.
