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Lucky Otis (born Johnny III in Los Angeles, California) [1] is a multi-instrumentalist [2] , band leader, archivist, and curator. [3] [4] Lucky is the grandson of rhythm and blues legend Johnny Otis [5] and the son of singer songwriter, Shuggie Otis [6] and Miss Mercy [7] of The GTOs [8] .
Lucky was raised by his grandfather, Johnny Otis, [9] [10] and his grandmother, Phyllis Otis. [11] He learned to play bass, guitar and other instruments at a young age and began performing with his grandfather as a child. [12] [5] He later toured with his father, Shuggie Otis, [13] and his younger brother Eric Otis.
Lucky launched his solo career in adulthood, performing solo [14] and with various artists across genres including blues, jazz, psychedelic rock, funk, reggae, and R&B [15] . [16]
In collaboration with Louis Leadbetter, great-grandson of Lead Belly, Lucky co-founded the band, Otis Leadbetter. [17] He also led a 13-piece rhythm and blues orchestra, The new Johnny Otis All-Stars, [18] continuing his grandfather's big band legacy. [19]
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. [20] [10] 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. [21]
