Clyde Lovern Otis was born on September 11, 1924, in Prentiss, Mississippi, and became a pioneering figure in the music industry. Despite growing up in an impoverished environment with limited musical exposure, Otis developed a passion for music during his service in the Marines, where he met Bobby Troup, the songwriter of "Route 66." After World War II, Otis moved to New York City, working various day jobs while writing songs at night.

Otis's breakthrough came with Nat King Cole's recording of his song "That's All There Is to That," which became a Top 20 hit in 1956. In 1958, he joined Mercury Records as an A&R executive, becoming one of the first African-Americans to hold such a position at a major label. At Mercury, Otis collaborated with Brook Benton, producing a series of hits including "It's Just a Matter of Time" and "Endlessly." He also produced duets between Benton and Dinah Washington, such as "Baby (You've Got What It Takes)."

Otis's influence extended beyond pop and R&B, as he later moved to Nashville and produced country music sessions for artists like Charlie Rich and Sonny James. His songwriting prowess is evident in his extensive catalog of nearly 800 songs, recorded by legends such as Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.

In recognition of his contributions, Otis received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 2000. He passed away on January 8, 2008, in Englewood, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and inspiration in the music industry.