R.I.P. Johnny Otis
R & B pioneer Johnny Otis has died at the age of 90. Otis was one of the most important figures of the pre-rock era. He was a musician, songwriter, producer and label exec and was responsible for furthering the careers of many artists including Etta James, Hank Ballard, The Coasters, Esther Phillips, Big Mama Thonton, Jackie Wilson and Johnny Ace, among others. His distinctive vibraphone playing can be heard on Johnny Ace’s Pledging My Love and played the drums on Big Mama Thornton’s version of Hound Dog. He began recording in 1945 (Harlem Nocturne) and scored his biggest hit with Willie and the Hand Jive in 1958. He was amazing and anyone who considers themselves a fan of rock & roll or rhythm & blues owes him a huge debt of gratitude.
Click here to read a news story on his death and watch a vintage clip of Willie And The Hand Jive.
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