Johnny Otis

Johnny Otis (1921–2012), born Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes, was a Greek-American musician and influential figure in American R&B and rock and roll. He is known as the "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues" for discovering and producing artists like Etta James and Big Mama Thornton, as well as for his own hits such as "Willie and the Hand Jive." Otis began his career in the 1940s and was active until the 2000s, contributing to the music industry as a bandleader, talent scout, and broadcaster. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and passed away in Altadena, California.

GENRES: Rock & Roll, Rhythm & Blues, Drums

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