Roots of R&B: Johnny Otis & Etta James

27/08/2025 46 min
Roots of R&B: Johnny Otis & Etta James

Listen "Roots of R&B: Johnny Otis & Etta James"

Episode Synopsis

All week we're revisiting archival interviews with key figures in early rock and roll, rockabilly and R&B. Singer, songwriter, producer and talent scout Johnny Otis got his start leading a big band that had the 1945 hit “Harlem Nocturne.” Later,
as a talent scout, he discovered such performers as Big Mama Thornton, Esther
Phillips and Etta James. James' career took off in the '60s with hits including “At Last," “A Sunday Kind of Love” and “I’d Rather Go Blind."Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy