RIP: Johnny Otis, often referred to as the Godfather of Rhythm and Blues, passed away in his LA home yesterday after struggling with ill health for years. He was 90.
Otis, a white man born to Greek immigrants, was raised in a black neighborhood in Berkeley where he developed a strong predilection for black culture. He changed his name from John Veliotes to the more “black sounding” Johnny Otis when he was a teenage.
“As a kid, I decided that if our society dictated that one had to be black or white, I would be black,” Otis was quoted as saying. His olive complexion led many to believe Otis was actually black.
The singer, songwriter, bandleader, and radio host had many hits during the 40′s and 50′s. However, his biggest chart-topper by far was “Willie and the Hand Jive” (above).
Otis wrote songs for and influenced many of R&B and rock and roll’s greatest vocalists, including Etta James, Gladys Knight, and Elvis Presley.
Later in life, Otis dabbled in other art forms and even politics, but always returned to his first love — music. He opened an organic grocery store where he would perform for customers every Friday and Saturday night.
Otis leaves behind a wife, two sons, two daughters, and a number of grandchildren.
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