Johnny Otis, one of the pioneers of early rock and roll and rhythm & blues, has died at his home in Altadena, California at the grand age of 90.
Otis, widely known as the ‘Godfather of rhythm and blues’, is perhaps best known for the popular hit single ‘Willie and the Hand Jive‘, which sold more than 1.5 million copies following its release in the 1950s, and went on to experience a long and wide-ranging career in music.
During his career, Otis played support to the likes of Etta James and Big Mama Thornton and penned Gladys Knight and The Pips‘ 1961 debut single ‘Every Beat Of My heart‘. As well as ‘Willie and the Hand Jive’, he also enjoyed further chart success with tracks such as ‘Harlem Nocturne‘.
Johnny Otis is survived by his wife of over six decades, Phyllis, and his children Janet, Laura, Nicky, and Shuggue, who is himself a successful recording artist.