His younger brother, Nicholas Veliotes, was the US ambassador to Jordan (1978-81) and Egypt (1984-86).
Passed away three days before Etta James, whom he had discovered in the 1950s.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame (1994) (both under the category Non-Performer).
Following his death, he was interred with his wife Phyllis Walker at Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena, CA.
Parents are: Alexander J. Veliotes, and Irene Kiskates.
Inducted into National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.
Survived by his wife, two sons, Nicholas Otis, Shuggie Otis, two daughters: Janice Johnson, Laura Johnson, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a great-great-child.
Attended Berkeley High School in Berkeley, CA, but dropped out in his junior year.
At one point, he was a staff producer for Duke Records.
Startekd his own label, Eldo Records. Its biggest hit was probably "Image of a Girl" by The Safaris in 1960.
Brother of Dorothy Veliotes, and Grandfather of Eric Otis.