Otis Blackwell

Otis Blackwell (Brooklyn, New York, February 16, 1931 – Nashville, Tennessee, May 6, 2002) was an American rhythm & blues songwriter, singer, and pianist, whose work significantly influenced rock and roll. His compositions include Little Willie John's "Fever", Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire" and "Breathless", Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel", "All Shook Up" and "Return to Sender" (with Winfield Scott), and Jimmy Jones' "Handy Man".

Otis Blackwell learned piano as a child and grew up listening to both rhythm & blues and country music.