Otis Blackwell

Otis Blackwell (1931–2002) was an American songwriter and singer whose work helped define early rock and roll. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he began recording in the early 1950s and soon became one of the era’s most successful behind-the-scenes writers. Blackwell wrote or co-wrote major hits for Elvis Presley, including “Don’t Be Cruel” and “All Shook Up,” and for Jerry Lee Lewis, including “Great Balls of Fire.” He also wrote “Fever,” credited under the pseudonym John Davenport. Though he recorded his own music, his greatest impact came through the artists who brought his songs to the charts.