Here's why:
* Early success: While he was a bandleader and record producer from the 1940s, he gained wider recognition in the 1950s with his recordings of R&B hits.
* "Sh-Boom": His biggest hit, "Sh-Boom," performed by his group The Robins, became a huge success in 1954 and reached number one on the Billboard charts.
* Influential figure: He was a key figure in the development of rhythm and blues, and discovered and nurtured many iconic artists like Little Richard, Etta James, and The Silhouettes.
* Legacy: His influence on music continued into the 1960s and beyond, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering figure in the R&B genre.
So, although he was active in the music industry earlier, Johnny Otis's fame skyrocketed in the 1950s, thanks to his hit songs and his influential role in R&B.