Blues Meets Thunder: OTIS Takes Over Ground Zero Blues Club June 19

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By: CA Staff Writer | June 9, 2025

Clarksdale, MS — There’s something in the blood when it comes to music, and for Boone Froggett, frontman of Kentucky-based blues-rock band OTIS, it’s a legacy that stretches back generations. With a grandfather who was a champion old-time fiddler and a father steeped in Bakersfield honky-tonk guitar, Froggett’s roots are as rich and gritty as the music he now shares with the world.

On Wednesday, June 19, that world collides with the heart of the Delta as OTIS storms the stage at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, bringing their explosive mix of classic rock, heavy blues, and Southern soul to one of the country’s most iconic blues towns.

But OTIS didn’t start with stardom in mind—it started with necessity and heart. “I initially started singing because nobody else in the band wanted to take it up,” Froggett laughs. “But it ended up being the right move, and I’ve developed a unique voice over the years.” That voice, raw and soulful, is now a defining part of what sets OTIS apart.

A Sound Built on Legacy

Their sound is deeply informed by blues legends and rock giants alike. For Froggett, it all began with one moment—digging through his dad’s cassette collection and hearing B.B. King for the first time. “That single note, then his voice… I was hooked. Blues became a vehicle to explore everything else—from T-Bone Walker to Charlie Christian, and eventually to The Allman Brothers, ZZ Top, and Howlin’ Wolf.”

It’s no surprise, then, that OTIS plays with the seasoned grit of bands twice their age, invoking the energy of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Wet Willie while blazing their own original path. Their music is not just homage—it’s evolution.

What’s in a Name?

The name OTIS carries its own story, too. It was passed down through a suggestion from Greg Martin of The Kentucky Headhunters, who remembered a band by that name from the ‘70s. “It just stuck,” Froggett says. “And it’s served us well.” OTIS came together naturally—four musicians from the same musical region, drawn together by a shared heritage and undeniable chemistry.

That brotherhood is palpable, both on and off the stage. “We often get asked if we’re related,” Froggett says. “There’s just that much synergy between us. Cracking jokes backstage, playing ‘50s blues before hitting the stage—it’s how we ground ourselves.”

OTIS Live in Clarksdale

That grounding translates to an electric live show. Ask them about their favorite performance, and they’ll point to the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association Festival in Macon, GA. “It was a dream come true to play in honor of such an iconic band. But honestly, every night is special. The crowd makes the show.”

And now, it’s Clarksdale’s turn. As part of their 2025 tour, OTIS will perform at Ground Zero Blues Club, inviting fans to experience their new single, “Last Fool in Line”—a hard-hitting, groove-soaked anthem that marks their first original song in seven years. Watch the official video here.

Their last full-length album, Eyes of the Sun, produced by Grammy-winner Paul Nelson, showcased their ability to walk the line between tradition and reinvention. And there’s more on the way. “We’re back in the studio, working on the next album,” Froggett confirms. “This is a big year for us.”

The Road Ahead

With tours stretching across the U.S. and Europe, and a loyal following that’s only getting stronger, OTIS is more than a band—they’re the future of Southern rock. Humble, hard-hitting, and wholly original, they continue to honor the past while building something entirely their own.

So whether you’re a lifelong blues lover or a newcomer looking for a taste of real rock ‘n’ roll, don’t miss OTIS live at Ground Zero Blues Club on Wednesday, June 19. Come for the riffs, stay for the soul, and leave knowing you witnessed the next chapter of Southern rock unfold right before your eyes.


Explore More from OTIS:
Website: theotisband.com
Facebook: facebook.com/otisheavyblues
Watch OTIS perform “Lyndales” live: YouTube Link

Media Contact:
John Lappen
Office: 702-405-7700
Cell: 818-203-2681
Email: john@lappenenterprises.com

*To report a spelling or grammar error or inaccurate information, please email us at info@clarksdaleadvocate.news. Please include the headline.

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