Remembering Johnny Otis: The Towering Figure in the history of R&B.

 

Johnny Otis (born Ioannis Alexandros Veliotes), son of Greek immigrants, the Greek Godfather of R&B and a Rock 'n' Roll pioneer, who reached #9 in America with "Willie And The Hand Jive" in 1958, died 10 years ago, on January 17, 2012, of natural causes at the age of 90.

In 1950, he had 10 singles in the R&B Top Ten, and in 1958, he wrote “Willie and the Hand Jive,” one of the most popular rock and roll songs of all time, later recorded by Eric Clapton. 

 

 

Among other songs, he wrote “Every Beat of My Heart,” which became a hit for Gladys Knight & the Pips.

 

Two more from Otis, father and son:

 

Guitar Slim Green with Johnny & Shuggie Otis ~ ''Shake 'Em Up'''

Roy Buchanan with Johnny & Shuggie Otis

For those who want something more, here is a collection of "Good Ole Blues" with Johnny Otis alone and with his Orchestra as well as some of his "Best Friend Blues".

  

Check the cover for tracklist and credits.