The 68-year-old guitarist Mabon “Teenie” Hodges, an influential figure in soul music and co-writer of numerous 1970’s hits died on June 22 due to complications with a case of emphysema.
Hodges was an influential figure with the soul label Hi Records, and helped artists such as Otis Clay and Ann Peebles reach success and put together their albums, along with co-writing numerous hits for Al Green. Just a few of the songs that Al Green and Hodges worked on together include “Take me to the River” and “Love and Happiness,” both of which made the Rolling Stones’ 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list according to Rolling Stones.
While not necessarily a well known figure, for some, such as Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, it is a loss that will be deeply felt. Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell is a family friend of Hodges’ and the grandson of Willie Mitchell , a producer at Hi Records label according to Commercial Appeal.
Mitchell told Commercial Appeal, "It's a huge blow to Memphis music. Teenie was an icon -- as a songwriter and a guitarist. Guitarists all around the world loved and imitated his playing. But Teenie ... man, he was one of a kind."