OBIT: Songwriter Otis Blackwell (1931-2002)

Subject: Otis Blackwell
From: RangerSteve
Date: 07 May 02 - 08:30 PM

I heard about this on the news this morning. He was quite a prolific songwriter. "Breathless" as recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis's "All Shook Up", "Fever" and countless others. He died on Monday.

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Messages from multiple threads combined.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: OBIT: Otis Blackwell
From: Rolfyboy6
Date: 07 May 02 - 08:40 PM

Man what a loss. One of the greatest songwriters and producers of rock 'n roll, R&B, blues, and pop. And most of his tunes have fire.

Subject: Otis Blackwell
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 May 02 - 11:13 PM

I know, I know. Not folk. But he wrote some great songs.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20020507/ap_on_re_us/deaths_304 . Blicky somebody?

Here's an interesting thought: Blackwell often sang the songs himself before they were recorded, and some music historians believe his style influenced Presley's.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Otis Blackwell
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 May 02 - 11:21 PM

Sorry, RangerSteve- I checked to see whether anyone had posted Blackwell's death, and somehow I missed yours.

But I agree. He was a great songwriter.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Otis Blackwell
From: fat B****rd
Date: 08 May 02 - 03:33 AM

Sad news. I believe he demo'd a lot of his songs and Elvis in particular was very influenced by his style. Don't Be Cruel is one of my favourite songs ever.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Otis Blackwell
From: fat B****rd
Date: 08 May 02 - 03:38 AM

I've already posted on the other OB thread but reading this from Ebbie I'm reminded that, allegedly, a songwriter would have to share credits with Elvis because "50% of something is better than 100% of nothing"

Subject: RE: OBIT: Otis Blackwell
From: Fiolar
Date: 08 May 02 - 05:02 AM

Let's not forget the great number which Peggy Lee belted out - "Fever."

Subject: RE: OBIT: Otis Blackwell
From: GUEST,Fortunato from the manse
Date: 08 May 02 - 08:04 AM

I've sung many of his songs countless times. Deceptively simple, they are like an electic charge, like lightning. You know you've been goosed. I'd love to write just one as direct, naive and unaffected as "Rip It Up". Later, Otis. Chance