Some Johnny Otis recommendations:

For some of the early stuff that made his name-"The Johnny Otis Rhythm & Blues Caravan-The Complete Savoy Recordings" (SAVOY JAZZ 92859-2), a three CD collection makes a good start.

There's some great King/Federal reissues as well, but I don't have them.

One of my favorite LPs is "The Johnny Otis Show Live at Monterey" (Epic EG 30473 as a 2-LP set). It is a recording of one of the many touring shows he put together thriough the years. This version was the all-star lineup he took to the 1970 Monterey Jazz Festival, including Little Esther Phillips, Roy Brown, Ivory Joe Hunter, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Roy Milton, Pee Wee Crayton, Big Joe Turner and Johnny's son Shuggie, among others. With the exception of Shuggie, all were hitmakers on the early R&B charts. A great rockin' party record and unmatched as one of the most fun history lessons that you'll ever be taught.