Otis, Clyde Lovern (1924-2008)

Clyde Lovern Otis was a songwriter and record producer. He served in World War II as a marine. He began his songwriting career afterward. He was one of the first African American A&R executives at a major label, Mercury Records. He briefly worked with Liberty Records before creating his record studio, Clyde Otis Music Group. Songs he wrote were performed by Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, and Elvis Presley. He most notably collaborated with Brook Benton on seventeen hits. He lived in Englewood for over forty years and was the first African-American resident to build his own home on the East Hill. He led the Music Group of Englewood for over twenty years. He married actress Lourdes Guerrero. He had three children, Isidro, Cylde III, and Analza.

“Clyde Otis.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 Dec. 2023.

Wright, Jim. "Clyde Otis, wrote dozens of hit songs." The Record, 13 Jan. 2008, p.L8.

1924-09-11

Prentiss, Mississippi, USA

2008-01-08

“Clyde Otis.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 7 Dec. 2023.