The AP reports that R&B songwriter, bandleader, producer, and broadcast host Johnny Otis died Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 90 years old.
Born John Veliotes, Johnny Otis is best known for writing and performing the classic "Willie and the Hand Jive". He also wrote or produced a number of hits for acts like Gladys Knight & the Pips, as well as his own hits, like "Harlem Nocturne".
Often deemed the "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues", he helped launch the careers of Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, and the Coasters. He produced Thornton's version of "Hound Dog", which Elvis Presley would later cover. His son, Shuggie Otis, was also a successful musician, who had a hit with "Strawberry Letter 23".
19-01-2012, 05:03 PM
R.I.P.
Johnny Otis passes away
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