Browse by Artist: OTIS SHOW, JOHNNY

Artist:	OTIS SHOW, JOHNNY
Title:	The Greatest Show On Earth
Label:	DOXY (ITALY)
Format:	2LP
Price:	$32.00
Catalog #:	DOX 830LP

"A key figure in the rise of early rock & roll and R&B, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Johnny Otis, was not only a drummer, but also a bandleader, historic nightclub owner, talent scout and songwriter, whose career stretched over half a century: no wonder he is called 'the godfather of R&B'! These 27 vintage tracks are taken from his earliest recordings for the Excelsior and Savoy labels, just as he was beginning to rise to stardom. These early Excelsior tracks (1945-1947) feature jazz-lover Otis, playing firmly in the big-band style of the day, and although Otis was not well-know at the time, his version of 'Harlem Nocturne' became a minor hit. In 1948 Otis made history by founding the first strictly R&B club, the Barrelhouse, located in the predominately black neighborhood of Watts (Los Angeles), which soon became the premiere stage for new talent. By 1949 Otis had signed a contract with Savoy, and began recording in the R&B style. Tracks like: 'Double Crossing Blues,' 'Mistrustin' Blues,' and 'Cupid's Boogie' went straight to number one, and in 1950 alone Otis had ten singles in the R&B Top Ten! These recordings, 1945-1951, commemorate one of America's true musical talents."

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