Clyde Otis R.I.P. Songwriter and producer Clyde Otis was pronounced dead at Englewood New Jersey Hospital on January 8. He was 83 years old. Best-known for his long and enormously successful collaboration with singer Brook Benton, Clyde Otis was among the most prolific songwriters and producers of the post-war era, making music business history as the first African American A&R executive for a major label. Born in Prentice, Mississippi, Otis' early exposure to music was limited - his family didn't even own a radio -- and he only began composing songs after meeting "Route 66" writer Bobby Troup during a stint in the Marines. Following his discharge, Otis settled in New York City, spending the next eight years enduring a series of day jobs while honing his songwriting at night. He was driving a cab when, in 1954, he overheard one of his fares discussing a party being thrown by music publisher Sidney Kornhauser; Otis convinced the woman to give Kornhauser his song "That's All There Is to That," which became a Top 20 pop hit for Nat "King" Cole in mid-1956. Upon joining Mercury's A&R staff in 1958, Otis began writing and producing material for Brook Benton; beginning with the number three smash "It's Just a Matter of Time," they teamed for a series of 17 consecutive hits, including "Endlessly," "So Many Ways," "Kiddio," and the nove lty favorite "The Boll Weevil Song." Otis also produced a number of duets between Benton and Dinah Washington, among them "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)" and "A Rockin' Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall in Love)"; he worked on Washington's solo efforts, as well, most notably the classic "What a Difference a Day Makes." Otis also helmed hits for Sarah Vaughan ("Broken-Hearted Melody"), Timi Yuro (the remarkable "Hurt") and the Diamonds ("The Stroll"), and in 1962 he alone produced an astounding 33 of Mercury's 51 chart hits. Upon leaving the label, he briefly tenured at Liberty Records before founding his own publishing firm, the Clyde Otis Music Group, and moving into independent production. Upon relocating to Nashville, Otis produced sessions for country stars Charlie Rich and Sonny James; Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, and Patti Page all recorded his songs as well. Over four decades ago, Otis went to visit good friend Sarah Vaughan, who lived in Englewood, NJ and knew that was the place he wanted to raise his family and continue growing the Clyde Otis Music Group. He was the first African-American to "build" a home in the prestigious East Hill section of Englewood, located across the street from his buddy, Dizzy Gillespie. Otis is survived by his wife, Lourdes, three children; Clyde III, AnaIza and Isidro, five grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. A private service was held on January 14 in Englewood, New Jersey. The family planned a large musical memorial service to take place in February. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the BMI Foundation. For more information call (212) 586-2000. Most country fans will at least be familiar with "It's Just A Matter Of Time". It was not only a top 3 pop hit for Brook Benton in 1959, but was #1 country for Sonny James in 1970, #7 country for Glen Campbell in 1985, and #1 country for Randy Travis in 1989. Other country covers of his hits were "Endlessly", #12 pop for Benton in 1959 and #1 country for Sonny James in 1970; "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)", #5 pop for Benton and Dinah Washington in 1960 and #30 country for Charlie Louvin and Melba Montgomery in 1971; "Ties That Bind" was #37 pop for Benton in 1960 and# 4 country for Don Williams in 1975. Another Otis song, probably my favorite, was #16 for Nat King Cole in 1956, and in 1963 Hank Thompson covered "That's All There Is To That" in his album "Breakin' In Another Heart". -Larry Davis Back to the "Take Note" Main Page