I love this song and I was thrilled to bits when I discovered that it qualified as a one-hit wonder and I could write about it.
Johnny Otis (1921-2012) was born Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes in Vallejo, California; he was the son of Greek immigrants. He grew up in a mostly black neighbourhood and decided early on that he was going to live his life in the African-American world. And an amazingly successful life it was, too: he had a long career as a swing and R&B musician.
Otis discovered many singers who went on to become successful as well, including Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Jackie Wilson, and The Coasters. He was eventually enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall Of Fame.
"Willie and the Hand Jive" reached #9 on the Billboard pop chart and #1 on the R&B chart; it was Otis's only charting pop record. It has been covered by a number of other artists, including George Thorogood and The Strangeloves (of "I Want Candy" fame).
When writing this, I learned that Frank Zappa modelled his facial hair after Otis's. He figured that if a mustache and soul patch looked good on Johnny Otis, they would look good on him too.
Created December 31, 2025.