RIP Johnny Otis

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Johnny Otis, singer of the 1958 hit "Willie and the Hand Jive", has died in California at the age of 90.

The singer also composed Etta James' first hit, "The Wallflower" which gained chart success in 1955, the 1961 hit "Every Beat of My Heart" for Gladys Knight and the Pips, and produced "Hound Dog," made famous by Elvis Presley in 1956.

http://news.yahoo.com/willie-hand-jive-singer-johnny-otis-dies-90-002707466.html

 

He produced the original "Hound Dog," recorded by Big Mama Thornton, but he had nothing to do with the Elvis version. Still, RIP. "Willie and the Hand Jive" is a classic.

 

Doesn't really say he had anything to do with the Elvis version. Just says Elvis made the song famous, which is true.

 

"and produced 'Hound Dog,' made famous by Elvis Presley in 1956."

To me, that implies he produced Elvis' recording.

 

Fair enough. It could be more clear.

 

Yeah, by mentioning the artist he actually produced, rather than an artist to whom he had zero connection.

 

Yeah. If the writer didn't think Big Mama Thornton was well-known enough, it should have said, "the original version of Hound Dog, later made famous by Elvis Presley."

 

That would have been perfect. Anyway, we're getting away from the Johnny Otis story. I just read that he once recorded a filthy blues-rock album and released it under the band title "Snatch and the Poontangs."

 

"The Pissed Off Cowboy" by Snatch & The Poontangs:

 

Read the New York Times obit the other day. Didn't really recognize the name, but what a fascinating life.