Person · Male
Johnny Otis
- From
- Vallejo, United States
- Active
- 1921–2012
- Releases
- 20
- r&b
- rock
- rock and roll
About
Johnny Otis (December 28, 1921 – January 17, 2012), born Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes, was an American singer, musician, composer, bandleader, record producer, talent scout, and preacher. He was a seminal influence on American R&B and rock and roll. He discovered numerous artists early in their careers who went on to become highly successful in their own right, including Little Esther Phillips, Etta James, Alan O'Day, Big Mama Thornton, Johnny Ace, Jackie Wilson, Little Willie John, Hank Ballard, The Robins, and Sugar Pie DeSanto, among many others. Otis has been called the "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues".
Member of
-
Johnny Otis’ Band eponymous
-
The Johnny Otis Show eponymous
-
Johnny Otis & His Orchestra eponymous
-
The Johnny Otis Big Band eponymous
-
Johnny Otis Quintette eponymous
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The Johnny Otis Septet eponymous
-
Johnny Otis' All Stars eponymous
-
The Johnny Otis Rhythm & Blues Caravan eponymous
-
Johnny's Combo eponymous
Discography
Compilations
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Doin’ the Hully Gully
-
On With The Show (The Johnny Otis Story Volume 2 1957-1974)
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Blues Masters, Volume 13
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Midnight at the Barrelhouse: The Johnny Otis Story Volume 1: 1945-57
-
Rock Me Baby! The Mercury and Peacock Sides
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Blues & Rhythm Series: The Chronological Johnny Otis 1951
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The Story of the Blues: Johnny Otis and Friends
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Blues & Rhythm Series: The Chronological Johnny Otis 1950
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Blues & Rhythm Series: The Chronological Johnny Otis 1949-1950
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Blues & Rhythm Series: The Chronological Johnny Otis 1945-1947
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Rock ’n’ Roll Heroes: Five Classic Albums Plus
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Rock ’n Roll Hit Parade
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The Legendary Dig Masters Volume 1: Creepin' With The Cats
-
The Capitol Years Apple Music
-
Presents The Robins, Little Esther, The Nic Nacs
Other
Links
Parent
Also known as
Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes · Kansas City Bill · Otis
Identifiers
- MusicBrainz
- 8ca2e10a-7a93-4065-aa77-8f277bfb1c84
- ISNI
- 0000000059380774
- IPI
- 00023126038
Data from MusicBrainz, saved 11 Nov 2026. Photo from Wikimedia Commons, covers from the Cover Art Archive and Apple Music.