Alexis Grace's MLGW Connection

It is common knowledge that popular “American Idol” finalist, Alexis Grace, has Memphis connections. The 21-year-old talent grew up in Midtown and attended Overton High School. Her father, Randy Middleton, is a local bass player and a talent in his own right.

However, Grace undoubtedly draws at least some of her musical inspiration from her grandfather, Wilson Mitchell, who is an MLGW employee in the Gas Engineering department and a longtime Memphis jazz drummer. Grace called her grandfather recently and asked him if he still played drums. “I am very proud of Alexis,” said Mitchell. “She will go far as a musical talent.”

Mitchell initially laughed at the suggestion that he play drums on a future Alexis Grace album, but on second thought he found the idea intriguing. “Who knows if that would be possible,” he said, “but it would be great.”