Today we celebrate the memories of Singer Etta James and Big Band Leader Johnny Otis, who both passed away this week.
Born the son of Greek immigrants, Johnny Otis played drums in a variety of swing orchestras. Then Mr. Otis founded his own band in 1945 and had one of the most enduring hits of the big band era, "Harlem Nocturne". Otis continued performing through the 1990s and headlined the San Francisco Blues Festival in 1990 and 2000, although he went through long periods where he did not perform. He was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 for his work as a songwriter and producer.
Etta James sang styles that spanned a variety of music genres including blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, gospel and jazz. Starting her career in the mid 1950s, she gained fame with hits such as "Dance With Me, Henry", "At Last", "Tell Mama", and "I'd Rather Go Blind". She received her first professional vocal training at the age of five. By 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked her #62 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. James has influenced a wide variety of American musicians including Diana Ross, Christina Aguilera, Janis Joplin, as well as British artists The Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse.
Thank you for your music and the gifts you left us with.
Originally posted Tuesday, January 24, 2012 (4 months ago)
You know it is a little uncanny that Johnny Otis was the person to launch Etta James Career including her name shortening it from Jamesetta to Etta. And they both die in the same week.
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Remembering Swing Legends Etta James and Johnny Otis
Today we celebrate the memories of Singer Etta James and Big Band Leader Johnny Otis, who both passed away this week.
Born the son of Greek immigrants, Johnny Otis played drums in a variety of swing orchestras. Then Mr. Otis founded his own band in 1945 and had one of the most enduring hits of the big band era, "Harlem Nocturne". Otis continued performing through the 1990s and headlined the San Francisco Blues Festival in 1990 and 2000, although he went through long periods where he did not perform. He was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 for his work as a songwriter and producer.
Etta James sang styles that spanned a variety of music genres including blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, gospel and jazz. Starting her career in the mid 1950s, she gained fame with hits such as "Dance With Me, Henry", "At Last", "Tell Mama", and "I'd Rather Go Blind". She received her first professional vocal training at the age of five. By 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked her #62 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. James has influenced a wide variety of American musicians including Diana Ross, Christina Aguilera, Janis Joplin, as well as British artists The Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse.
Thank you for your music and the gifts you left us with.
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You know it is a little uncanny that Johnny Otis was the person to launch Etta James Career including her name shortening it from Jamesetta to Etta. And they both die in the same week.
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