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Johnny Otis (1921-2012)
Californian-born R&B pioneer, label owner, impresario and bandleader Johnny Otis has sadly passed away, aged 90. Beginning his career as a swing drummer in mid-40s L.A., by the end of the decade he had toned down the big band sound and enjoyed a string of US R&B hits. Laying the foundation for his move into rock ‘n’ roll with early-50s performances backing Big Mama Thornton and Little Richard, by 1957 he had gained international recognition, signing to Capitol and rebilling his act The Johnny Otis Show. (MORE)>

Etta James (1938-2012)

Revered blues and soul singer, Etta James, has died aged 73 following complications from leukaemia. The L.A.-born vocalist enjoyed a six decade career in music which began when her performances as a soloist in a local Baptist church were broadcast on the radio. Following minor success on the Modern label in the 50s, James signed to Chess Records in 1960 and had a number of modest hits during the decade including “All I Could Do Was Cry”, “Pushover” and the Rick Hall-produced 1967 single “Tell Mama”. After spending much of the 80s away from the recording industry, her 1989 comeback album, Seven Year Itch, found critical acclaim as did her final studio release, 2011’s The Dreamer.