Johnny Otis always said he identified far more with black culture than his own Greek origins Johnny Otis, dubbed the “godfather of rhythm and blues”, has died aged 90. The bandleader, who had been unwell for several years, passed away at his home in Los Angeles, his manager said. Best known for the track Willie and the Hand Jive, he also wrote Every Beat of My Heart, a hit for Gladys Knight and the Pips in 1961. “He is one of the greatest talents of American music and he was a great American,” said music historian Tom Reed, adding “He could do it all.”
