Johnny Otis, Musical Pioneer, Dies at 90
Johnny Otis who was described by so many as the "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues" has died at the age of 90.
Otis had been in poor health for the past several years and passed away at his home in the Los Angeles suburb of Altadena on Tuesday, according to his manager Terry Gould.
Otis was born John Veliotes to Greek immigrants. He grew up in a predominantly black section of Berkeley. This is where Otis developed and identified more with black culture than his own. As a result he changed his name to Johnny Otis because he felt it had more of an urban sound.
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"As a kid, I decided that if our society dictated that one had to be black or white, I would be black," he once explained.
Otis was in his own band in 1945 when he got his first big break when the hit song, "Harlem Nocturne." A short while later in 1950, 10 of his songs made Billboard magazine's music chart and his "Willie and the Hand Jive" track sold more than 1.5 million copies and was later covered by Eric Clapton, as reported by The New York Times.
But the great musician will most likely be known for his unbelievable eye not only in spotting talent but subsequently his ability to promote talent as well. He was able to incorporate into his band the legendary talents including Etta James, Hank Ballard, Big Mama Thornton and The Robins, who would later became known as the Coasters.
He produced Thornton's original recording of "Hound Dog," a song that would later become an even bigger hit for Elvis Presley.
Piero Scaruffi, author of A History of Rock Music, 1951-2000, explained how Otis was able to develop the talent of those around him.
"The reason is that Otis did not force his personality on others but worked with the personality of the others. He may not have been a great composer or performer himself, but he was an impressive conductor," according to the AP.
