Lucky Otis

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^[5] and Miss Mercy^[6] of The GTOs.^[7]

Lucky was raised by his grandfather, Johnny Otis,^[8][9] and his grandmother, Phyllis Otis.^[10] He learned to play bass, guitar and other instruments at a young age and began performing with his grandfather as a child.^[9][5] He later toured with his father, Shuggie Otis,^[11] and his younger brother Eric Otis.

Lucky launched his solo career in adulthood, performing solo^[12] and with various artists across genres including blues, jazz, psychedelic rock, funk, reggae, and R&B.^[9][13]

In collaboration with Louis Leadbetter, great-grandson of Lead Belly, Lucky co-founded the band, Otis Leadbetter.^[14] He also led a 13-piece rhythm and blues orchestra, The new Johnny Otis All-Stars,^[15] continuing his grandfather's big band legacy.^[9]

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.^[16][9] 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.^[17]

Lucky continues to preserve and archive the musical legacy of his family,^[18]  by playing tributes to his grandfather.^[1] He is also the creator of the Otis Legacy page,^[19] a fan page dedicated to the Otis family history and their contributions to music and society.