Otho Lee Gaines, born on April 21, 1914, in Buena Vista, Mississippi, was a distinguished American jazz singer and lyricist. He is best known for his work with the Delta Rhythm Boys, a vocal quartet he helped form while attending Langston University in 1933. Gaines's contributions to jazz include writing the lyrics for iconic standards such as "Take the 'A' Train" and "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'", both composed by Billy Strayhorn.

The Delta Rhythm Boys achieved significant popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, collaborating with renowned artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Les Paul. They were also featured in Broadway musicals and films, and Gaines himself was involved in productions like "Sing Out The News", "Hot Mikado", and "Hellzapoppin". By 1949, Gaines and the group were touring internationally, visiting Europe, Israel, North Africa, Japan, and Canada.

In the 1950s, the Delta Rhythm Boys relocated to Europe, where they continued to perform. Gaines eventually settled in Finland, where he lived until his death from cancer on July 15, 1987, in Helsinki. He was married to Muriel Gaines, a calypso singer and former Cotton Club dancer. Gaines's legacy is marked by his contributions to jazz music and his influence on vocal harmony groups.