Rhythm and blues artist Otis Clay dies in Chicago at age 73; was inducted into hall of fame in 2013

CHICAGO – Rhythm and blues artist Otis Clay, a hall of fame musician who also was a community activist on Chicago’s West Side, has died. He was 73.

Miki Mulvehil (MIH’-ke MUHL’-vuh-hill) was the one-time Grammy nominee’s manager. She told The Associated Press that Clay died of a heart attack about 6:30 p.m. Friday.

Mulvehil says Clay was preparing an upcoming gospel tour and had been nominated for two Blues Music Awards — one for his album with Billy Price and one for soul blues music artist.

Clay was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2013.

Mulvehil says Clay was not only a great musician but a humanitarian, working on charitable causes. He often performed his 1993 standard, “When the Gates Swing Open” for funerals.