Johnny Otis
Biographie Johnny Otis
Johnny Otis
was the first King of Rock 'n' Roll, helping create and advance the genre in its earliest days, before Elvis Presley ever swiveled his hips. His recording career included hits such as "Willie and the Hand Jive," but Otis' influence went far beyond his own music. He discovered future stars including Etta James, Big Mama Thornton and Jackie Wilson, launching their legendary careers, and he advanced the development of rhythm and blues as well. Otis' legacy includes his son, musician Shuggie Otis. We remember Otis' life today as well as the lives of other notable people who were born this day in history.
