Clyde Otis

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Clyde Otis (c. 1924 – January 8, 2008) was an American songwriter and producer best known for his collaboration with singer Brook Benton, and for being the first African American A&R executive for a major label.

Contents 1 Early years 2 A&R executive 3 Clyde Otis Music Group 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Early years

Otis was born in Prentice, Mississippi.

[edit] A&R executive

Upon joining the Mercury Records A&R staff in 1958, Otis began writing and producing material for Brook Benton. This collaboration led to "It's Just a Matter of Time," "Endlessly," "So Many Ways," "Kiddio," and the novelty song "The Boll Weevil Song." Otis also produced a number of duets between Benton and Dinah Washington, among them "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" and "A Rockin' Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall in Love)"; he worked on Washington's solo efforts, as well, most notably the classic "What a Difference a Day Makes" and "This Bitter Earth".

Otis also produced hits for Sarah Vaughan ("Broken-Hearted Melody"), Timi Yuro ("Hurt") and The Diamonds ("The Stroll"), and in 1962 Otis produced 33 of Mercury's 51 chart hits.

[edit] Clyde Otis Music Group

Upon leaving the label, he briefly worked at Liberty Records before founding his own publishing firm, the Clyde Otis Music Group, and moving into independent production. Upon relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, Otis produced sessions for country singers Charlie Rich and Sonny James. His songs have also been recorded by Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, and Patti Page.

Otis was given a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 2000. He lived in Englewood, New Jersey for over 40 years, and died there on January 8, 2008.^[1]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• The Clyde Otis Music Group website