Listen to the Lambs

New York: W.W. Norton, 1968. First Edition. An obscure American popular music autobiography, wherein Otis relates his integration as a Greek-American musician into the Black community in Watts, Los Angeles in the 1930s and 40s, as well as his adventurous life beyond that time.

Otis was one of the most successful bandleaders of his era, a rhythm and blues pianist, vibraphonist, drummer, singer, bandleader, and impresario, who wrote and popularized "Harlem Nocturne," then went on to discover The Coasters, Etta James, Big Jay MacNeely, Jackie Wilson, Hank Ballard, and Little Willie John. In the 1950s, he wrote "Willie and the Hand Jive" and "Every Beat of My Heart." His son is the multi-talented Shuggie Otis, a cult figure in American soul and pop music, who is best known for writing the 1970s hit, "Strawberry Letter 23." Otis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. A rare book, chronicling an extraordinary life in jazz, blues and rhythm and blues.

Fine in a Near Fine dust jacket. Evidence of a small price sticker removal on the front endpaper, else book is bright and clean; jacket is lightly rubbed at the extremities and spine ends.

[Book #104639]