Industry Vet Otis Smith Passes

ALL ACCESS is saddened to learn of the passing of well-respected, veteran industry record executive OTIS SMITH. He was loved and respected for his many major contributions to the industry.

SMITH was SVP for the old ABC/DUNHILL RECORDS in the '70s. He discovered and signed RUFUS and CHAKA KHAN and later signed one of the industry’s most successful gospel ensembles, THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY.

SMITH was the man behind the DETROIT-based group CHAPTER 8. He eventually started his own label in 1981 called BEVERLY GLENN RECORDS.  He then signed the lead singer from CHAPTER  8, whose name was ANITA BAKER. 

OTIS SMITH was in semi-retirement and living in BURBANK, CA. at the time of his passing. He had gone into the hospital for back surgery and had a stroke. He leaves behind two sons, OTIS and TONY.  Funeral arrangements are pending. OTIS SMITH was 70.  Our condolences go out to his family and many friends.

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