Backstage with Johnny Otis at a concert in the San Francisco Bay area on October 21st, 1989. The show was at Kimball's East, and was the usual fantastic show you might expect from Johnny and his ensemble. As part of the Doo Wop Society of Northern California, we were able to present him with an achievement award, and meet him in his dressing room between sets. Below is just a few of the hundreds of records that Johnny was associated with.
From 1953, uptempo rock and roll, "Rock Me Baby" with a group. Johnny Otis and a Ballad (Mostly), "Young Girl" also with a vocal group in the background.
Fun 1957 instrumental by Johnny called "Wa Wa Part 1" on his own DIG records. "Wa Wa Part 2" on the flip, which includes Johnny with some vocal group activity in the background.
"Willie And The Hand Jive", his biggest national hit, on Capitol records. 1958 Flip side of the hit, "Ring A Ling". A Decent two sider here.
| Here's a nice clip of Johnny Otis singing Hand Jive live. Notice the three tons of Joy in the video demonstrating the movements! Not to mention Lionel Hampton near the end of the clip. |
My favorite from 1957, "Ma,He's Making Eyes At Me", with Marie Adams and the three Tons Of Joy. Marie Adams and the 3 Tons Of Joy with a fine bluesy smoker on the flipside, "In The Dark". Two more great sides.
You can visit Johnny's Web Site at http://www.johnnyotisworld.com/index.html
