A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Episode 10: “Double Crossin’ Blues”, by Johnny Otis, Little Esther, and the Robins
10 snips
Dec 9, 2018 AI Snips
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Episode notes
Early Rock and Roll Instrumentation
- Rock and roll's early days were dominated by piano and saxophone, influenced by jump band rhythm and blues.
- This contradicts the common perception of rock and roll as guitar-based music stemming from artists like Robert Johnson.
Johnny Otis's Influence
- Johnny Otis, a drummer and vibraphone player, had a significant impact on the West Coast music scene from 1947 to 1956.
- His influence extended to various artists and genres, shaping the landscape of rhythm and blues and rock and roll.
The Johnny Otis Show
- Johnny Otis, initially a drummer, transitioned to R&B after the rise of jump bands, creating the Johnny Otis Show.
- His show featured various singers and groups, boosting their careers while enhancing his show's appeal.