R&B bandleader Johnny Otis was a whirlwind of activity in the early 1950s, working as a talent scout, vibraphonist, and consummate man on the scene. His own outfits cut a series of excellent sides for Mercury and Peacock between 1950 and 1955 that mixed swing, jump blues, vintage R&B, and traces of the rock & roll for which Otis would later become famous. Though these sides have not received much notice compared to the rest of Otis's discography, they are excellent nonetheless. Otis's hard-driving arrangements are in full effect, and the featured vocalists include Mel Walker, Ada Wilson, and Big Mama.