JOHNNY OTIS - THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH (180G IMPORT 2LP)

Johnny Otis The Greatest Show On Earth On 2 x 180g Import LP

A key figure in the rise of early rock & roll and R&B, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Johnny Otis, was not only a drummer, but also a bandleader, historic nightclub owner, talent scout and songwriter, whose career stretched over half a century. No wonder he is called “the godfather of R&B”! These 27 vintage tracks are taken from his earliest recordings for the Excelsior and Savoy labels just as he was beginning to rise to stardom. These early Excelsior tracks (1945-1947) feature jazz-lover Otis, playing firmly in the big-band style of the day. And although Otis was not well-know at the time, his version of “Harlem Nocturne” became a minor hit. In 1948 Otis made history by founding the first strictly R&B club, the Barrelhouse, located in the predominately black neighborhood of Watts (Los Angeles), which soon became the premiere stage for new talent. By 1949 Otis had signed a contract with Savoy, and began recording in the R&B style. Tracks like: "Double Crossing Blues," "Mistrustin' Blues," and "Cupid's Boogie" went straight to number one, and in 1950 alone Otis had ten singles in the R&B Top Ten! These recordings, 1945-1951, commemorate one of America’s true musical talents.

Johnny Otis The Greatest Show On Earth Track Listing

1.  Harlem Nocturne
2.  My Baby's Business
3.  Round the Clock
4.  Preston Love's Mansion
5.  Boogie Guitar
6.  Little Red Hen
7.  Hangover Blues
8.  New Orleans Shuffle
9.  If It's So Baby
10. Rain In My Eyes
11. I Found Out My Troubles
12. I'm Livin' OK
13. Ain't No Use Beggin'
14. You're Fine But Not My Kind
15. Turkey Hop Part 1
16. Turkey Hop Part 2
17. Blues Nocturne
18. Cry Baby
19. Mistrustin' Blues
20. Dreamin' Blues
21. Cool & Easy
22. Wedding Boogie
23. Sunset To Dawn
24. Honky Tonk Boogie
25. All Nite Long
26. Deceivin' Blues
27. Three Magic Words