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Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Motivating and inspiring!By Mark S. CrawfordI knew the name "Johnny Otis" but I didnt know much about the person. After reading this book I feel like a slacker! Is there anything this man hasnt done?! He was a musician; a composer; a producer; a talent scout; a DJ; an activist; a painter; an author; a preacher; an all around entrepreneur; and a devoted family man. He seems like the kind of person that can get more done in one day that most can in a week!Even more remarkable is that he accomplished all of this in a time of segregation; during which he deliberately picked a side. He explained this in one of his earlier books stating; "As a kid I decided that if our society dictated that one had to be black or white; I would be black." In this book its written about him that; "Although considered to be a white man by the standards of a white supremacist society; Johnny Otis chose to become "Black by persuasion." His decision to embrace and inhabit an identity rooted in the collective; cumulative; and continuing struggles of Black people has enabled him to live a life replete with moral purpose and profound connection to others (p. 178)."Throughout his life; Mr. Otis was at the beginning of several different cultural trends; as well as jumped in and added his energies to various existing movements. I appreciate all his music; the incredible performers he discovered and nurtured; and most of all I appreciate that he ". . . insisted on justice; love; and personal responsibility . . ." and that he ". . . believed in teaching by example; in treating other people right (p. 110)."The book is an easy read and full of positive messages. To me; one of those messages was not about becoming rich and famous; but to follow your passions and give back along the way.Mr. Otis has given our country so much and I hope someday he receives a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; a National Medal of Arts; and a Kennedy Center Honor!7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Intriguing history of music and societyBy kevnmMidnight At The Barrelhouse is a fascinating look at a complex and talented man. Johnny Otis; born of Greek-American parents; was so enamored of black music and culture that he more or less "became" a black person. His concerns were those of the African-American community; his political consciousness was formed by his experience within that community; and his musical career in jazz and rhythm blues saw him promote and contribute to a vital cultural heritage.Otis spent his life promoting and celebrating Black culture and this book follows him through his career touring with jazz acts; acting as impresario to blues and rb shows; discovering young talent; and promoting respect and equality. Stories of Los Angeles Central Avenue scene; the clubs; the record companies and the touring bands all provide an opportunity to illustrate the racism that musicians; and all black people; faced in the period covered. Especially welcome are Professor Lipsitzs examinations of the social and economic trends that favored white acts; led to the disintigration of vital Black neighborhoods; and replaced thriving cultural centers with tv and suburbs.If allowed a minor quibble; I might suggest that some of Otiss musical heroes who didnt receive national recognition were limited as much by their talent as by racism. The argument that racism held them back is difficult to sustain in the face of the sales and recognition achieved by Chuck Berry; Duke Ellington; James Brown; Otis Redding; Miles Davis and many more. That is certainly not to suggest that racism didnt hurt many careers; only that it wasnt the only possible explanation; as Otis and Lipsitz sometimes seem to suggest.Thats a minor point in an otherwise excellent look at the struggle; the oppression and the triumphs of the people and the music that Johnny Otis celebrated.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Little JiveBy CustomerJohnny Otis was a unique person. I have a singularly special interest in him. Mainly forgotten by all expect a handful; I am one of those who remembers Willy and the Hand Dive as a current hit. How delightful it was to learn more about Johnny behind the scenes. Thanks for helping me become more familiar with this great man. I do recommend this book as a starting point for the Johnny Otis journey.