R&B legend Johnny Otis passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at his California home. Otis was 90 years old and had been in bad health for a number of years.
Otis is one of the true pioneers of rhythm & blues music, his role as singer, songwriter, musician, producer, talent scout, and bandleader unparalleled in contemporary music. Along with the many hats he wore in the world of music, Otis was also a political activist, a preacher, an accomplished author, a visual artist who dabbled in painting and sculpture, and late in life, an organic farmer.
It is Otis's contributions to the world of music for which he will be remembered, however, whether it was through the writing of songs like "So Fine," "Every Beat of My Heart," and the classic "Willie and the Hand Jive" or by his work with artists as diverse as Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, and Jackie Wilson, among many others. Otis was a true renaissance man, and we'll not see another like him anytime soon.
Find out more: Johnny Otis Profile
Photo courtesy Johnny Otis
Comments
The lights turned off this sad day. Rest in piece Johnnie!