Johnny Otis Dead At 90

Legendary R&B and jazz figure JOHNNY OTIS has died at the age of 90.

The singersongwriter, bandleader and DJ passed away on Tuesday (17Jan12).

Otis, who wrote the hits Willie and the Hand Jive and Harlem Nocturne, discovered and helped develop talent like Etta James, Little Richard and Jackie Wilson.

Born John Veliotes to Greek immigrants in San Francisco, California, hewrote James' first hit The Wallflower and had success with tracks he penned for Little Richard and Johnny Ace.

He retired from the music business in the late 1970s and became a farmer and grocery store owner in northern California.

Otis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

He is survived by wife Phyllis and various children, including cult singersongwriter Shuggie Otis.