Died On This Date (January 17, 2012) Johnny Otis / R&B Great; Had Hit With “Willie and the Hand Jive”
themusicsover Johnny Otis (Born Ioannis Veliotis)
December 28, 1921 – January 17, 2012
Referred to as the “Godfather Of Rhythm and Blues,” Johnny Otis was a man of many aspirations and musical talents. Born and raised in the San Francisco area, Otis went on to become a successful bandleader, producer, songwriter, journalist, talent scout, arranger, disc jockey, vibraphonist, drummer, club owner, merchant, and even politician. His most popular contribution to popular music came by way of “Willie and the Hand Jive,” which sold over 1.5 million copies, rose to #9 on the pop charts, and has since been recorded by the likes of George Thorogood, Levon Helm, Eric Clapton, Cliff Richard, and New Riders of the Purple Sage, to name just a few. A child of Greek immigrants, Otis actually lived and worked as part of the African-American community while employing mostly black musicians for his bands. He began making an impact on music during the late ’40s when he opened a nightclub in the Watts section of Los Angeles. It was there that he made his first discovery, Little Esther Phillips, who went on to have several pop and R&B hits of her own. Other future greats he is credited for discovering and working with during their early years include Big Jay McNeely, Jackie Wilson, Hank Ballard, Etta James and Big Mama Thornton, whose signature song, “Hound Dog,” was produced by Otis. In 1958, Otis recorded the self-penned “Willie and the Hand Jive” which quickly became a smash with both black and white audiences and went on to become one of the most iconic songs of the era. A tireless performer, Otis and his band toured the world well into the 2000s. During the ’60s, he made an unsuccessful run for the California State Assembly. Many blamed the loss on the fact that he ran under his virtually unknown birth name. In 1994, Otis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in later years, he hosted “The Johnny Otis Show” on San Francisco radio station, KPFA. Due to declining health, he did his last show in August of 2006. His son, Shuggie Otis, had hits of his own during the ’70s. Johnny Otis was 90 when he passed away in his home on January 17, 2012
Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.
What You Should Own
Yvonne Fasnacht was an accomplished New Orleans clarinet and saxophone player, as well as the proprietor of Dixie’s Bar Of Music, one of the city’s most revered jazz clubs. Fasnacht first learned to play her instruments while attending trade school, and before she knew it, she was playing in such all girl outfits as Southland Rhythm Girls and the Smart Set. These gigs afforded her the opportunity to tour the US and even appear in a Hollywood short film. In 1949, Fasnacht opened Dixie’s Bar of Music which quickly became one of New Orleans’ hottest clubs where rich and poor; gay and straight; and celebrity and common folk could all co-mingle and have a good time. The club has been cited as one of the country’s first openly gay bars, and it was Fasnacht who created a safe and accepting environment, even in the face of local authorities who raided the joint fairly regularly. The club, which operated until 1964, became a magnet for Hollywood elite as well. It was not uncommon to find the likes of Truman Capote, Rock Hudson, Gore Vidal, or Danny Kaye sitting at a table. The club’s place in New Orleans history is so well-regarded, that the 35-foot mural of jazz greats that hung on one of its walls is now on display at the New Orleans US Mint as part of the Louisiana State Museum. As reported by 
Edmundo Ros was a Trinidad born but England based Latin jazz singer, musician and bandleader who came to prominence during the 1940s. Ros’ first instrument of choice was the euphonium, a wind brass instrument, which he played in the Venezuelan Military Band from the late ’20s to late ’30s. Soon after, he received a proper music education from London’s Royal Academy of Music. It was during that time that he played a handful of recordings by 
Tony Ruffino was a respected Birmingham, Alabama concert promoter who in 1969, began bringing such acts as 