OTIS CLAY
MISSISSIPPI POOR BOY (SINGLE)
CATFOOD RECORDS
In 2014, Otis Clay and Johnny Rawls got together and recorded “Soul Brothers” for Catfood Records, and it was very well-received by fans and bloggers alike. During those sessions, Otis laid down a raw vocals-only track of “Mississippi Poor Boy,” intended to be released on a future solo album. Sadly, Otis Clay passed on January 8, 2016, at the age of 73, leaving this as his last recorded legacy.
Catfood executive Bob Trenchard, on bass, Johnny McGhee on guitar, and Johnny Rawls and Janelle Thompson on backing vocals, went into the studio and took this raw recording and turned it into a gospel-fired soul classic. The song fits in perfectly with Otis’ background as a gospel singer, and the backing musicians bring this one into vivid focus. It might as well be Otis’ autobiography, as his deep baritone rings with resonance as he sings of growing up poor, but realizes, as he looks over his life, that “The Lord’s been good to me.”
“Mississippi Poor Boy” is a fitting tribute to the man who first gave us “Trying To Live My Life Without You,” and who was equally at home with a gospel song as he was singing deep Southern soul. Otis, we’ll miss you, friend. Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
donandsherylsbluesblog 
Posted by Bob Trenchard on May 2, 2016 at 3:36 pm
Thanks for the good review. Tried to leave Otis’ passionate voice out front and keep everything else stripped down. Bob-Catfood