By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 11:04 pm:

Ritchie's forum has just posted the sad news that Otis passed on July 17th.

My first encounter with his music was courtesy of Atlantic Records in the UK, who released his two Dakar epics, "I love you" and "Love uprising".

Robert Pruter described him as an administrator, Producer and Composer. He was closely involved with Major Lance, Gene Chandler and Carl Davis.

Indeed, he was Davis's right hand man at Okeh and Brunswick. They both later set up Chi-Sound together.

Of his other music, I always enjoy "Gotta right to cry", "To be or not to be", "A reason to be lonely" and his version of Billy Butler's "Let her love me"....which was produced by the Major.

Over the last few years he was responsible for bringing cult acts to Northern venues. It was probably himself who set up the fabulous Dells concert at Trentham Gardens several years ago. I was privileged to be there.

I think I have a pic of Otis at that show and when I find it I will post it as a tribute.

Otis leavill, your music lives on.

RIP

By Mark Speck (64.158.98.24 - 64.158.98.24) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 03:33 am:

I'm in shock...this is the first I'd heard of Otis's passing.

I'll have to play "I Love You", "Right Back in Love", and his Blue Rock sides in his memory.

Best,

Mark

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.19 - 195.219.7.19) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 07:36 am:

RIP,MR OTIS LEAVILL,YET ANOTHER PIECE OF BAD NEWS TO HIT US.MY FIRST TIME OF HEARING A RECORD FROM OTIS WAS IN 1972.BOOMERANG,WHICH WAS A TORCH SOUND,AND ONE THAT I STILL HAVE TODAY.HE FEATURED ON THE MAJOR LANCE LIVE AT THE TORCH LP.MAYBE ONLY BRIEFLY,BUT HIS VOICE SOUNDED FANTASTIC.SO LONG OTIS AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.MEL(ANDTHENSOME)

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 07:47 am:

From the archive - Otis Leavill. Reunited with Curtis and the Major.

By Ian W (213.122.166.238 - 213.122.166.238) on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 10:10 pm:

Sad, Sad Day! The best in mellow Windy City soul music!

By Frankj (212.159.70.184 - 212.159.70.184) on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 11:48 am:

A very sad day for lovers of soul music in general and the windy city in particular. I was fortunate enough to meet him at the Torch in 72 and what a nice guy who seemed shocked yet pleased that I owned so many of his records. The night belonged to Major Lance as he recorded his live album and though I loved Major too I was a bigger fan of Otis as was my then soon to be wife Maureen who was equally thrilled. It's always great to meet a hero and come away with the impression he was a good man as well as a great artist. Otis was not the biggest of guys in stature but he was a towering talent. Our thanks to you and sleep well,