Music Greats We Lost In 2012

Johnny Otis

Dec. 28, 1921 — Jan. 17, 2012

R&B Pioneer. The bandleader, composer and radio and TV host wrote "Willie And The Hand Jive" and discovered many of R&B's greatest voices.

Etta James

Jan. 25, 1938 — Jan. 20, 2012

Matriarch of the Blues. The “At Last” singer had grit in her voice that could melt like sugar or rub salt in a wound.