News Item
Johnny Otis R.I.P. (28th December 1921 – 17th January 2012)
Johnny Otis, who as a white American bandleader and musician was massively influential on today’s black soul music, has died aged 90. Otis discovered many major black soul stars of the day, including the late Etta James. He died three days before she lost her own battle with ill health.
He attracted the nickname, the Godfather of Rhythm and Blues, and signed 13-year-old Esther Phillips as singer for his California Rhythm and Blues Caravan touring show in 1949. His band fronted by Little Esther, had ten top ten R&B hits in 1950.
He scored a pop crossover in 1958, with "Willie and the Hand Jive," later covered by Eric Clapton. In the UK he scored a number two hit in November 1957, with "Ma, He's Making Eyes at Me," later a number one hit by Scottish child star Lena Zavaroni.
While a talent scout for King Records, he spotted the potential of Jackie Wilson, Little Willie John and Hank Ballard at a talent show in Detroit in the ‘50s, and signed them to appear in his touring show, the Caravan.
He played drums on, and produced Big Mama Thornton's first recordings, including the R&B hit Hound Dog (1953). He was credited as one of the song's composers, but Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller succeeded in having his name removed when Elvis Presley covered the song in 1956, Otis produced the hits of R&B star Johnny Ace. He then signed Etta James. They co-wrote her first hit, "Dance with Me, Henry" (1955).
Otis's "Every Beat of My Heart" was a hit for Gladys Knight in 1961. By the early 1960s, Otis’ career was floundering, with the change in musical tastes, including the birth of The Beatles.
Otis was born John Veliotes to Greek immigrants in Vallejo, California. His younger brother, Nicholas, was ambassador to Egypt. His parents ran a grocery store in a black neighbourhood in Berkeley, and Otis was attracted to black culture. He played side drum in junior high school, and made his professional debut as a drummer in 1939 with the West Oakland Houserockers. He eventually played in touring big bands.
Nat King Cole recommended he move to Los Angeles in 1943 to join Harlan Leonard's jazz orchestra. He backed saxophonist Lester Young and singer-pianist Charles Brown. As a drummer, Otis led his own jazz orchestra from 1945 to 1948. His 1945 recording Harlem Nocturne, got his band bookings across the US, including the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.
He tried and failed, to be elected to the California State Assembly, and joined the Los Angeles County Democratic committee. He served for a decade as deputy chief of staff to Mervyn Dymally, the first black state senator in the west, and an eventual congressman and lieutenant governor of California and congressman.
Frank Zappa, a fan of Otis's 1950s recordings, suggested to Kent Records that they should sign him. The album "Cold Shot!" (1969), featured Country Girl, an R&B hit, and critical success. Otis then recorded an X-rated album, featuring proto-gangsta rap braggadocio. Zappa landed Otis and his musicians a TV appearance that led to a performance at the 1970 Monterey jazz festival.
His revived California Rhythm and Blues Caravan – featuring Little Esther and Otis's teenage, guitar-playing son Shuggie – was a huge success at Monterey, leading to nationwide and European bookings. Otis continued to tour and record. He also became pastor for the Landmark Community Church in South Central Los Angeles.
In his long life, Otis had stints as a TV presenter, cartoonist, painter, chef, record producer, DJ, sculptor, and writer.
In 1990, Otis and his wife Phyllis, moved to Sebastopol, California, where they ran an organic orchard. He hosted a weekly radio programme, wrote his autobiography, "Upside Your Head!" (1993) and appeared at festivals. Ace Records have released two CDs devoted to The Johnny Otis Story. He is survived by Phyllis, two sons and two daughters.
• Johnny Otis, born John Alexander Veliotes, musician, born 28 December 1921; died 17 January 2012
Words SIMON REDLEY
