Deaths on January 17

Johnny Otis

Died on January 17, 2012

Johnny Otis, American singer-songwriter and producer (b. 1921)

Johnny Otis (born Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes; December 28, 1921 – January 17, 2012) was an American singer, musician, composer, arranger, bandleader, talent scout, disc jockey, record producer, television show host, artist, author, journalist, minister, and impresario. He was a seminal influence on American R&B and rock and roll. He discovered numerous artists early in their careers who went on to become highly successful in their own right, including Little Esther Phillips, Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Johnny Ace, Jackie Wilson, Little Willie John, Hank Ballard, and The Robins (who eventually changed their name to The Coasters), among many others. Otis has been called the "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues".

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Johnny Otis

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Events on 2012

13 Jan

Costa Concordia disaster
The passenger cruise ship Costa Concordia sinks off the coast of Italy due to the captain's negligence and irresponsibility. There are 32 confirmed deaths.
2 Jun

2011 Egyptian revolution
Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the killing of demonstrators during the 2011 Egyptian revolution.
19 Jun

Julian Assange
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange requested asylum in London's Ecuadorian Embassy for fear of extradition to the US after publication of previously classified documents including footage of civilian killings by the US army.
11 Sep

2012 Benghazi attack
The U.S. embassy in Benghazi, Libya is attacked, resulting in four deaths.
23 Oct

Digital switchover
After 38 years, the world's first teletext service (BBC's Ceefax) ceases broadcast due to Northern Ireland completing the digital switchover.

Deaths on January 17

Johnny Otis

Died on January 17, 2012

References

Choose Another Date

Events on 2012

Costa Concordia disaster

2011 Egyptian revolution

Julian Assange

2012 Benghazi attack

Digital switchover