ANTONOVICH MOURNS LOSS OF MUSIC LEGEND JOHNNY OTIS
Contact: Tony Bell, Communications Deputy
Office: (213) 974-5555 Cell: (213) 215-5176
E-mail: tbell@bos.lacounty.gov
January 19, 2012
For Immediate Release
ANTONOVICH MOURNS LOSS OF MUSIC LEGEND JOHNNY OTIS
LOS ANGELES COUNTY – Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich commented about the life of Johnny Otis who died today at age 90.
“Johnny was a good friend, a trailblazer and an icon in American music. Having worked together on conservation and recycling efforts in the 80’s, Johnny and I developed the “Red Beans and Rice” Music Festival at Bonelli Park in San Dimas which featured R&B and Rock and Roll greats including:
- Ray Charles
- Little Richard
- Chuck Berry
- Bo Diddley
- Righteous Brothers
- The Beach Boys
- Dion
- Jerry Butler
- Lloyd Price
- Chubby Checker
- Pat Boone
- Glen Campbell
- Charlie Daniels
- Gary U.S. Bonds
- Jay and the Americans
Inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 1994, he was the ‘Godfather of Rhythm and Blues.’ Christine and I send our prayers and condolences to his wife Phyllis, his children and grandchildren.”
# # #