Artist:Otis Clay
Song:It I Could Reach Out (And Help Somebody)
Album:The Gospel Truth
Veteran soul singer Otis Clay is unknown to mainstream music fans but he's a big star in Japan. He was born Feb. 11, 1942 in Waxhaw, MS. He grew up singing in church, moved to Chicago in 1958 and was in several gospel groups until he went to secular music in 1965. His 1968 version of She's About A Mover got the attention of legendary Hi Records producer Willie Mitchell and Clay had his biggest chart success with the 1972 song Trying To Live My Life Without You. But he's never had the mainstream success of Al Green. Clay continued to record and became a big star in Japan in the 80s. He's classified as blues because he's recorded for labels like Bullseye & Blind Pig but his records still reflect his gospel roots. The Gospel Truth was released by Blind Pig in 1993 and If I Could Reach Out (And Help Somebody) is a remake of one of his Hi recordings. Otis Clay continues to tour and record. His latest CD is 2007's Walk A Mile In My Shoes on his own Echo label. He also sings regularly at the Liberty Baptist Church in Chicago and there's video footage on Youtube. Otis Clay's music is highly recommended to soul fans. Here's Otis Clay performing I Can Take You To Heaven Tonight in Germany 1995.
No comments:
Post a Comment