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More than 30 Years ago Billy F. Otis realized he was into roots rock and blues, and he took the long road to his calling. It was 1968 at the Alexandria Roller Rink. Onstage was B. B. King opening for Canned Heat, and in the audience was a teenaged Otis. "I heard B. B. and I knew that I had to play the blues," he says. Life, as it often does, sent Otis down another road for many years, until eight years ago, when his brother-in-law gave him a harmonica for his 40th Birthday. Working up his harmonica chops by playing at area blues jams, Otis put together the Crow Valley Band and later The Billy Otis Band. Five years ago he began working the bar and festival circuit. "When I think about how late I started at this, I have to say I've been pretty lucky to be doing so well so fast." The Billy Otis Band Website is BillyOtis.com