Today along with Etta James we lost the Great Johnny Otis - Willie and the hand jive! Born in Vallejo California December 28 1921, Johnny moved to Los Angeles following advice from Nat King Cole and Jimmy Witherspoon. In 1950, Johnny had 10 songs that made the top ten on billboard magazines retail rhythm and blues record list. He went on to discover Willie Mae (Big mama) Thornton, Etta James, Hank Ballard and more. This illustrious career allowed him to share the bandstand with the likes of Count Basie, Lester Young, Eddie (Clean head) Vinson, Charles Brown and more. Johnny lead a full life that even included politics. In addition, Johnny Otis is the father of Shuggie Otis. We wouldn't have the music we have today without the guiding hand of yesterday. Johnny will be missed!
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