Lucky Otis (born in Los Angeles, California), is a multi-instrumentalist, band leader, selector, and curator. Lucky is the grandson of rhythm and blues legend

Johnny Otis Johnny Otis (born Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes (Greek language, Greek: Ιωάννης Αλέξανδρος Βελιώτης)); December 28, 1921 – January 17, 2012) was a Greek American singer, musician, composer, bandleader, record producer, ...

and the son of singer songwriter, Shuggie Otis and Miss Mercy of

The GTOs The GTOs (Girls Together Outrageously) were an all-girl group from the Los Angeles area, specifically the Sunset Strip scene. The group was active for two and a half years (1968–1970), followed by one reunion performance in 1974. Their only ...

. Lucky was raised by his grandfather, Johnny Otis, and his grandmother, Phyllis Otis. He learned to play bass, guitar and other instruments at a young age and began performing with his grandfather as a child. He later toured with his father, Shuggie Otis, and his younger brother Eric Otis. Lucky launched his solo career in adulthood, performing solo and with various artists across genres including blues, jazz, psychedelic rock, funk, reggae, and R&B. In collaboration with Louis Leadbetter, great-grandson of

Lead Belly Huddie William Ledbetter ( ; January 1888 or 1889 – December 6, 1949), better known by the stage name Lead Belly, was an American folk music, folk and blues singer notable for his strong vocals, virtuosity on the twelve-string guitar, and the ...

, Lucky co-founded the band, Otis Leadbetter. He also led a 13-piece rhythm and blues orchestra, The new Johnny Otis All-Stars, continuing his grandfather's big band legacy. Lucky took over his grandfather's radio show, The Jonny Otis Show on KPFA in Berkeley, California, in 2004, hosting it until its final airing in 2006. He also taught Music 15-B (Jazz, Blues, and Popular Music in American Culture) at Peralta Community College District in Alameda and Berkeley, a class founded by his grandfather.

Family legacy

Lucky continues to preserve the musical legacy of his family, by playing tributes to his grandfather. He is also the creator of the Otis Legacy page, a fan page dedicated to the Otis family history and their contributions to music and society.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Otis, Lucky American blues guitarists Jazz-blues guitarists American singer-songwriters American multi-instrumentalists American funk musicians American rock musicians American dub musicians American curators Year of birth missing (living people) Living people