Inextricably linked with Etta James was the incomparable Johnny
Otis (born Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes), who discovered Ms. James and produced
her first hit, "Roll with Me, Henry" in 1955. In an ironic twist of
fate, Mr. Otis died three days before Ms. James, at the age of 90.
Mr. Otis was a multi-talented individual whose notable accomplishments
were as a recording artist, musician, and bandleader. One of his band's early
hits was "Harlem Nocturne", made infamous by the Mike Hammer series.
Mr. Otis's musical achievements and associations spanned decades, and are too
numerous to mention. The Johnny Otis Show's most popular recording was
"Willie and the Hand Jive" of 1958. Mr. Otis was born in Vallejo,
California, and died in Los Angeles.
Johnny Otis [1921 – 2012]
© 01/21/2012
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