Home
Movies
TV Shows
Photos
Now Streaming
Movies Streaming Now
TV Shows Streaming Now
In Theaters
Coming Soon
Sign In

Home
Movies
TV Shows
Photos
More
Now Streaming Movies Streaming Now TV Shows Streaming Now In Theaters Coming Soon Celebrities
Sign In

Home
People
Johnny Otis

Johnny Otis

Actor

Born December 28, 1921 in Vallejo, California, USA

Died January 17, 2012

Upload Profile Picture

Movies & Shows

Discover Johnny Otis content online

Loading streaming options...

Finding the best places to watch

No streaming options available

Check back later for new content

No matches found for your search

Try different keywords

Content availability varies by region and time. Links open in new window.

Share with a friend

Quick Copy Link

Share on Social Media

Popular

Professional

More Options

Photos Videos Awards

Biography

Johnny Otis was involved in virtually every aspect of the music business: he was a singer, musician, composer, producer, record company owner, arranger and talent scout, among others. He helped to shape the R&B genre starting in the late 1940s and stayed involved in it for over 30 years.

Otis was white, but grew up in a black neighborhood in northern California's Bay Area. He began his music career as a drummer in a swing band and by 1945 he had his own band. He could see that swing music was on its way out and downsized his band and got away from swing music and more towards R&B. It soon became one of the most popular R&B bands in the US. He traveled the country with his Johnny Otis Rhythm & Blues Caravan with many early rock and R&B singers.

In 1954 he became a disc jockey and formed Dig Records. He also got his own variety show, The Johnny Otis Show (1954), on TV station KTLA in Los Angeles. He discovered Etta James and Little Esther Phillips, and with James he wrote "Roll With Me, Henry", which she recorded. It shot to #1 on the R&B charts and made her a star.

He continued performing and recording well into the 1980s, and traveled the US and Europe performing at jazz and blues festivals.

Less

More

Filmography

Actor

8

Type

Year

My Music: 50s & 60s Rock Rewind TV Movie2014Self

Road Trip with Huell Howser Poster

Road Trip with Huell Howser TV Series2001Self

The History of Rock 'n' Roll Poster

The History of Rock 'n' Roll TV Series1995Self

The South Bank Show Poster

The South Bank Show TV Series1978Self

Billy Jack Poster

Billy Jack Feature Film1971Other Ways Demolition Squad Student

Play Misty for Me Poster

Play Misty for Me Feature Film1971Self

Juke Box Rhythm Poster

Juke Box Rhythm Feature Film1959Johnny Otis

The Johnny Otis Show Poster

The Johnny Otis Show TV Series1954Host

Thanks

2

Type

Year

The 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Poster

The 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony TV Special2012

I Build the Tower Poster

I Build the Tower Documentary2006

Featured Celebrity Photos

Monica Barbaro Speaks at 'One Night Only' Event at 92Y in New York

Lottie Moss Shines at the Spider-Man Brand New Day UK Premiere in London

Katy Perry Shares Romantic Moments on Vacation in France July 2026

Rachel Brosnahan Shines at "Disruption" Opening Night on Broadway

Tate McRae Live Performance at Lollapalooza Chicago August 2, 2026

Charlize Theron Speaks at "THE ODYSSEY" Press Conference in Seoul

Rosé Stars in Levi's "Keep It Loose" Campaign August 2026

Rachel Pizzolato Showcases Creative Cosplay at 2026 San Diego Comic-Con International

Adriana Lima Attends The Surf Lodge Concert Series Featuring Empire of the Sun in Montauk

Elle Fanning Shines at THR x Apple TV Leading The Narrative: Women of Apple TV Event in Beverly Hills

McKenna Grace Shines at "Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie" Premiere in Los Angeles

Suki Waterhouse Delivers Live Performance at 2026 Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago's Grant Park

Lucy Hale Shares Breakfast with Friend in Studio City on August 1, 2026

Margarida Corceiro Showcases Missus Spring Summer 2026 Collection

Selena Gomez Filming Only Murders in the Building on Location in London

Joey King Attends Cinespia Screening of Practical Magic 2 in Los Angeles

Jennie Delivers Electrifying Performance at 2026 Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago's Grant Park

Tate McRae Delivers Energetic Performance at 2026 Osheaga Music and Arts Festival in Montreal

Minka Kelly Arrives at Good Morning America in New York City

Zara Larsson Delivers Electrifying Performance at 2026 Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago

Kristen Stewart Shines at the Premiere of Teenage Sex and Death in Los Angeles

Ashley Roberts Makes a Stylish Exit from Heart Radio on Last Day Before Summer Break

Taylor Momsen Live Performance at The Wiltern in Los Angeles

Chase Sui Wonders Shines at New York Premiere of 'I Want Your Sex

Hannah Einbinder Shines at Teenage Sex and Death Premiere in Los Angeles

Dakota Johnson Stars as Marilyn Monroe in Upcoming Short Film Set for July 2026 Release

Hayes Warner Attends FX's The Shards London Screening

Madison Beer Stops by Nail Salon Ahead of Los Angeles Meeting on July 30, 2026

Emily Feld Features Stylish Looks in That's So Fetch August 2026 Edition

Kathryn Newton Attends "The Devil's Mouth" Beach Party in Malibu

Oops!

Sign up for free

Company

About Us
Contact Us
Send feedback

Contribute

Add Movie
Add TV Show
Contribution Guide

Legal

Terms
Privacy

© 2026 Gawby.com

Send feedback to Gawby.com

Describe your issue or suggestion