The Visual Art of Johnny Otis

Posted on | July 13, 2024 | Comments Off on The Visual Art of Johnny Otis

Legendary R&B and jazz musician Johnny Otis also painted, drew, sculpted, and cartooned. His creative energy was boundless and could not be limited to a single medium. Calabi Gallery is fortunate to be able to show a collection of his art consigned by the family of Terry Gould, his longtime friend and manager.

Considered by many to be the Godfather of Rhythm and Blues, Johnny started out in the Big Band Jazz era, but soon moved into a more contemporary sound. He played drums, piano, and vibraphone as well as singing. He discovered and promoted many young musicians including Etta James, Little Esther Philips, Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, Jackie Wilson, Little Willie John, and Hank Ballard, to mention a few.

Born as a first generation Greek American in 1921, Johnny grew up in a black neighborhood and started to self identify as black, as that was the community he preferred. Not only was he a phenomenal musician and bandleader, but he also hosted many long running radio shows and even a television show. For a few glorious years in the early 90’s Johnny ran a small organic grocery store in Sebastopol, which he eventually turned into a tiny but exceptional nightclub. Oh, the music that poured out of that unpretentious place!

“The Visual Art of Johnny Otis” will run from July 11^th through August 31^st, 2024. Click on the images for larger views and artist information. Please note images are not to scale. All works are available for purchase – contact the gallery for pricing and details

Music themed artwork by a variety of other artists will also be showing, including Jane Berlandina, Pele de Lappe, James Ford Grant, Mike Henderson (also a great musician!), Raymond Howell, Paul Kuhn, Robert Pearson McChesney, Emmanuel Catarino Montoya, David Park, and more. Also featuring a selection of vintage rock ballroom posters and a Harp Attack poster signed by James Cotton.