Otis Gibbs

Otis Gibbs is an American alt-country singer-songwriter and podcaster who has independently released several albums since 2002.

Biography

Gibbs was raised in Wanamaker, Indiana, a neighborhood on the outskirts of Indianapolis. He recalls being introduced to the music industry at an early age, when a friend of his aunt's that was supposed to be babysitting him would take him to a nearby saloon to earn money by singing while he played the piano.

Gibbs worked for over 10 years as a tree planter in Indiana, planting what he estimates to be over 7,000 trees.

Music career

SXSW 2009: Jovita's, Austin, TX
March 21, 2009 (Twangfest party)

Gibbs' songs feature stories about every day life. He has been compared to Woody Guthrie, Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, and Townes Van Zandt. The website Saving Country Music describes him as Gibbs a "storyteller’s storyteller" with an "independent spirit."

His most recent album, "Souvenirs of a Misspent Youth" has been described as "his most pleasing, direct and artful work" by The Tennessean. Alan Harrison of No Depression notes that "The Darker Side of Me" is the type of song that Johnny Cash would be interested in recording.

Billy Bragg included Gibbs' song "The Peoples Day" in a list of "Top Five Songs with Something to Say", published in the Wall Street Journal. Andy Gill of the The Independent wrote that there is a "authenticity and dedication in Gibbs' delivery which is somehow cleansing in its purity".

Discography

Other activities

Gibbs has recorded more than 100 podcasts under the title “Thanks for Giving a Damn” that consist of conversational interviews with musicians. Podcasts have included conversations with Mando Saenz, Ramsay Midwood, Jim White, Dilbert McClinton, and Amy Lashley. The podcast has been featured on iTunes’ “New And Noteworthy” and “What’s Hot” lists.

Personal life

Gibbs lives in East Nashville, Tennessee with his long-time partner Amy Lashley, a singer-songwriter and children's book author.