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Midnight at the Barrelhouse: The Johnny Otis Story

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By Johnny Otis

Johnny Otis was a pioneer in rhythm and blues music. He was a bandleader, songwriter, producer, and record label owner. He was also a tireless advocate for civil rights. His autobiography, Midnight at the Barrelhouse, is a fascinating look at the life of this legendary figure.

Midnight at the Barrelhouse: The Johnny Otis Story

by George Lipsitz

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2765 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	286 pages

Otis was born in Vallejo, California, in 1921. His father was a Greek immigrant and his mother was African American. Otis grew up in a poor neighborhood, but he had a passion for music. He started playing the drums at an early age, and by the time he was a teenager, he was leading his own band.

In the 1940s, Otis began to make a name for himself as a bandleader and songwriter. He wrote some of the biggest hits of the era, including "Harlem Nocturne" and "Crazy Blues." Otis also produced records for some of the biggest names in rhythm and blues, including Etta James, B.B. King, and Little Richard.

In the 1950s, Otis became involved in the civil rights movement. He used his music to speak out against racism and segregation. He also organized voter registration drives and helped to raise money for the NAACP.

Otis continued to be active in music and civil rights until his death in 2012. He was a true pioneer and a legend in the music world. His autobiography, Midnight at the Barrelhouse, is a must-read for anyone interested in rhythm and blues music or the civil rights movement.

Reviews

"Johnny Otis was a true pioneer in rhythm and blues music. His autobiography is a fascinating read, and it's a must for anyone interested in the history of this great genre." - Rolling Stone

"Otis's autobiography is a powerful and inspiring read. It's a story of a man who overcame adversity to achieve great things. Otis was a true pioneer, and his story is an important part of American history." - The New York Times

"Johnny Otis was a legend in the music world. His autobiography is a fascinating look at the life of this great man. It's a must-read for anyone who loves music or history." - The Washington Post