DESCRIPTION:
Johnny Otis (born Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes - December 28 1921 – January 17 2012) was an American singer musician composer arranger bandleader talent scout disc jockey record producer television show host artist author journalist minister and impresario. A seminal influence on American R&B and rock and roll Otis discovered artists such as Little Esther Big Mama Thornton Jackie Wilson Little Willie John and Hank Ballard and Etta James. Known as the original King of Rock & Roll he is commonly referred to as the Godfather of Rhythm and Blues.