American songwriter and label executive.
Born October 2, 1898, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Died April 5, 1970, Los Angeles, California.
Brother of Leon Rene.
Rene ran [l86339] from 1944 to 1951, and established Spin Records in 1952.
As a songwriter, he charted six times in the U.S. and once in the U.K. between 1931-1961. His top hit came in 1931: When It’s Sleepy Time Down South by Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra (co-written by Clarence Muse & Otis’ brother Leon) hit #6. He also had a #1 R&B hit with I’m Lost by Benny Carter and His Orchestra in 1944 (which also hit #4 that same year by The King Cole Trio). That’s My Home by Mr. Acker Bilk was his lone U.K. hit, landing at #7 in 1961 (co-written by Ben Ellison & Otis’ brother Leon).