Music
'Hand Jive' performer Johnny Otis dies, aged 90
© Rex Features / Everett Collection
The 'godfather of rhythm and blues', who helped bring black music to mainstream white audiences in the 1940s, passed away on Tuesday at his home in Altadena, California.
Otis had hits with 'Harlem Nocturne' and 'Willie and the Hand Jive', which sold over 1.5 million copies in 1950 and was later covered by Eric Clapton among others.
He also supported the early careers of Etta James, Big Mama Thornton and wrote Gladys Knight and The Pips' 'Every Beat of My Heart'.
His son Shuggie Otis is also a successful recording artist - most famous for the track 'Strawberry Letter 23'.
Johnny Otis is survived by his wife, Phyllis, whom he married in 1941, daughters Janet and Laura, sons Shuggie and Nicky and several grandchildren.
Watch Johnny Otis perform 'Willie and the Hand Jive' below:
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