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Rhythm and Blues Pioneer Johnny Otis.

Bandleader, singer, songwriter, and talent scout Johnny Otis. His musical career spans the big band era, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. In the 40's he played and traveled with the big bands, with the Ink Spots and Louis Jordan. Later, with a pared down band, he was on the forefront of the rhythm and blues. He's credited with discovering Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Jackie Wilson and Ernestine Anderson. His songwriting hits include "Willie and the Hand Jive," "Roll with Me Henry," and "Every Beat of My Heart." A collection of his work was recently reissued on Capitol Records. (Rebroadcast. Original date 11/21/89).

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Other segments from the episode on May 7, 1990

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, May 7, 1990: Interview with Johnny Otis; Review of Cassandra Wilson's album "Jumpworld"; Interview with Sue Miller; Review of the television show "The Story Behind the…
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10:24

Novelist Sue Miller.

Novelist Sue Miller. She wrote the best-seller, "The Good Mother," which was made into a movie starring Diane Keaton. She has a new novel, called "Family Pictures." It's about a family coping with an autistic child. (It's published by Harper and Row).

Interview
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03:33

"The Story Behind the Story" Is Missing Critical Pieces.

Television critic David Bianculli previews the new NBC show, "The Story Behind the Story." The program will look at well-known events from little-explored angles. Planned features include a look at who else was on Ed Sullivan the night the Beatles premiered, and a profile of Abe Zapruder, the man who filmed John Kennedy's assassination.

Review

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22:22

Rhythm and Blues Pioneer Johnny Otis.

Bandleader, singer, songwriter, and talent scout Johnny Otis. His musical career spans the big band era, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. In the 40's he played and traveled with the big bands, with the Ink Spots and Louis Jordan. Later, with a pared down band, he was on the forefront of the rhythm and blues. He's credited with discovering Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Jackie Wilson and Ernestine Anderson.

Interview

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