Johnny Otis – Country Girl from the Modern Oldies 45

Monday, Monday. Another start to the work week, and of course another slice of the sweet stuff. By sweet stuff, I’m not referring to Sweet Soul, but rather some Blues inspired Funk from one Mister Johnny Otis. Before I get into this great choon (as my European mates would say). I do have a sort of digging report. The digging mobile is up and ready to go, cleaned and looking mean. In other words, bring on the massive piles of vinyl because I have enough room to cart the stuff around. I was once again rained out Saturday and Sunday, but hopefully I’ll be able to definitely get some in this coming weekend. Here is a favorite of mine, this time reissued on the Modern Oldies Record label, Johnny Otis with “Country Girl” from 1969.

Born John Veliotes in Vallejos, CA in 1921, this all around great entertainer has worn many hats in the business. From disc jokey to label owner to R&B, Jazz, and Rock and Roll Star, to author, to bandleader and to disc jokey again, the man has led an incredible life and career. Helping to pioneer several genres of music, he also would discover artists like Little Willie John, Jackie Wilson, Little Esther Phillips and more. Formerly changing his name to Otis as a teen, he got his start as a drummer Count Otis Matthews and Harlan Leonard’s Rockets. Moving on to a band leader doing big band numbers, he’d release sides on Excelsior. However, Jazz would give way to R&B, and Otis excelled at that. His released on Savoy were legendary: “Double Crossing Blues”, “Mistrustin’ Blues”, and “Cupid’s Boogie”. These three soared to a number one spot, while other releases such as “Gee Baby”, “Mambo Boogie”, and “All Nite Long” kept the hits rolling in. He would go on to have hits on Mercury (while simultaneously being part of a backing band), record “Willie and the Hand Jive”, and be a variety show host in Los Angeles. The late 50’s would see Otis dabble in Rock and Roll music on Capitol Records, and jump to Cincinnati’s King Records as well. Otis has done it all, and he even recorded some stuff with his son Shuggie, (The New Johnny Otis Show ) a father and son match made in heaven. If you’re not familiar with the guitar work of Shuggie Otis, I have two words for you: Get Familiar. Otis still records, plays, and host a radio show, well into his 80’s. A true renaissance man in the world of Funk, Soul, Rock, and Blues, the man is no joke.

I was first introduced to this side from a mix David Holmes did. It was mixed in with some Psych sides, Muddy Waters, and other dirty Funk. I always dug it, but never saw it in the field. I’ve lost the original on Kent Records a bunch of times on E Bay. When I saw this for the price (which was, as they used to say on CDs: THE NICE PRICE), I jumped at it. I know it’s a reissue, but for me it will do until the Kent side shows up again. Please enjoy this piece of Blues Funk by one of the West Coast’s all around ambassadors. He, like many others would adapt with the times and really put out some great sides in the late 60’s/ early 70’s. This of course adds to his resume of 50’s hits. My favorite line, and there are a few great ones in this tune is: “You can take the fox out of the country, but you can’t get the country out of fox.” Classic! I’ll see you Wednesday. Keep Diggin’!