Johnny Otis (born
Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes; December 28, 1921 – January 17, 2012) was an American singer, musician, composer, arranger, bandleader,
talent scout, disc jockey, record producer,
television show host, artist, author, journalist,
minister, and
impresario. A seminal influence on American
R&B and
rock and roll, Otis discovered artists such as
Little Esther,
Big Mama Thornton,
Jackie Wilson,
Little Willie John and
Hank Ballard and
Etta James. Known as the original "King of Rock & Roll", he is commonly referred to as the "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues".