Johnny Otis Biography

Johnny Otis biography

Quick Facts

NAME: Johnny Otis
OCCUPATION: Musician
BIRTH DATE: December 28, 1921
DEATH DATE: January 17, 2012
PLACE OF BIRTH: Vallejo, California
PLACE OF DEATH: Altadena, California
Originally: John Veliotes
Nickname: "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues"
AKA: Johnny Otis

Best Known For

Johnny Otis was a bandleader, drummer, vibraphonist, singer, producer and promoter who discovered artists like Etta James, Jackie Wilson and Big Mama Thornton.

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Johnny Otis

APA Style

Johnny Otis. (2013). The Biography Channel website. Retrieved 08:50, May 25, 2013, from http://www.biography.com/people/johnny-otis-9430462.

Harvard Style

Johnny Otis. [Internet]. 2013. The Biography Channel website. Available from: http://www.biography.com/people/johnny-otis-9430462 [Accessed 25 May 2013].

MLA Style

"Johnny Otis." 2013. The Biography Channel website. May 25 2013, 08:50 http://www.biography.com/people/johnny-otis-9430462.

MHRA Style

"Johnny Otis," The Biography Channel website, 2013, http://www.biography.com/people/johnny-otis-9430462 [accessed May 25, 2013].

Chicago Style

"Johnny Otis," The Biography Channel website, http://www.biography.com/people/johnny-otis-9430462 (accessed May 25, 2013).

CBE/CSE Style

Johnny Otis [Internet]. The Biography Channel website; 2013 [cited 2013 May 25] Available from: http://www.biography.com/people/johnny-otis-9430462.

Bluebook Style

Johnny Otis, http://www.biography.com/people/johnny-otis-9430462 (last visited May 25, 2013).

AMA Style

Johnny Otis. The Biography Channel website. 2013. Available at: http://www.biography.com/people/johnny-otis-9430462. Accessed May 25, 2013.

Profile

Born on December 28, 1921, in Vallejo, California, Johnny Otis dropped out of school to play with bands throughout the Midwest, and settled in Los Angeles in 1943. He performed with Charlie Parker and Count Basie, but his main impact was on rhythm and blues music. Having an ear for talent, Otis is credited with discovering artists like Etta James, Jackie Wilson and Big Mama Thornton. As the leader of his own band, Otis had 15 Top 40 rhythm-and-blues hits from 1950 to '52. He was often called the "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues," and was a popular disc jockey for decades. Johnny Otis died in California on January 17, 2012, at age 90.