Otis René
Otis Joseph René Jr. was an influential American songwriter and record label owner, born on October 2, 1898, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Before fully committing to a career in music, René worked as a pharmacist in his hometown. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he married in 1930.
René is best known for co-authoring the song "When It's Sleepy Time Down South," a piece that became a signature for jazz legend Louis Armstrong. This song, co-written with his brother Leon René and Clarence Muse, was one of his most notable contributions to music. He also co-wrote other songs like "Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat" and "That's My Home," which were recorded by artists such as Murray Head and Tony Bennett.
In the 1940s, Otis René, along with his brother Leon, founded the independent rhythm and blues labels Exclusive Records and Excelsior Records. Otis was particularly associated with Excelsior Records, which operated from 1944 to 1951, and was noted for earning $25,000 from the song "I'm Lost," recorded by the King Cole Trio. In 1945, René was elected president of the Pacific Coast Record Manufacturers' Association.
René's efforts in the music industry included purchasing a record plant with his brother to support their labels. However, they faced challenges when the music format shifted from 78 rpm to 45 rpm, which they could not accommodate. In 1952, René launched Spin Records with saxophonist Preston Love, although this venture was short-lived.
Otis René passed away on April 5, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 71. His contributions to the music industry, especially in songwriting and record production, have left a lasting legacy.
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