McKinley Mitchell, The End of the Rainbow | Throwback Vibez

In the 21^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “The End of the Rainbow” by McKinley Mitchell.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the 21^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “The End of the Rainbow” performed by McKinley Mitchell.

My, my, my, McKinley Mitchell (1934 – 1986). The Chicago-based blues and R&B singer recorded a gem in 1977 with the moving “The End of the Rainbow”.  Mitchell penned the record that appears on the 1992 compilation, The Complete Malaco Collection of McKinley Mitchell.  Sadly, this talented and underrated musician was gone far too soon. He died of a heart attack at the age of 51.  Despite his untimely death, he left a magical song with “The End of the Rainbow.” He continues singing in the first verse, “I found nothing but heartaches and troubles / I’m about to lose my mind.” I feel that.

“The End of the Rainbow” begins with a strong drum riff.  Beyond the riff, the excellent musical accompaniment sets the tone before McKinley Mitchell sings one note.  The backdrop is beautiful, lush, and sublimely arranged.  Supporting McKinley is a rhythm section featuring ostinato keys, soulful guitar riffs, a robust bass line, and a drum groove that faithfully outlines the compound duple meter. Adding to the ear candy are the celestial, soaring strings.  Of course, the star of the show is Mitchell, who delivers top-notch, expressive, and nuanced vocals.  While his performance is refined, he also showcases edgier, grittier vocals as he gives his all.  “With a heart full of pain, I was lost / So blind I couldn’t see a thing,” he sings passionately, and continues, “I couldn’t even remember my name / They talked loud and clear.” Beyond his dynamic lead, McKinley is supported by background vocalists, who further sell the excellence of “The End of the Rainbow”.  “Going, going, going, going home / I’m going home,” he sings, with the background vocals chiming in, “I’m going home to the end of the rainbow.” A far underrated song, McKinley Mitchell delivered a gem far too few have heard or integrated into their listening rotation.  This song here is an oldie and definitely a goodie!

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McKinley Mitchell » The Complete Malaco Collection of McKinley Mitchell » Waldoxy Records » 1992

McKinley Mitchell, The End of the Rainbow: Throwback Vibez No. 21 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Waldoxy Records; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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