James was discovered as a teen by talent scout Johnny Otis. Her career took off in the '60s with hits like "All I Could Do Was Cry" and "At Last." She died in 2012. Originally broadcast in 1994.

All week we're revisiting archival interviews with key figures in early rock and roll, rockabilly and R&B. Singer, songwriter, producer and talent scout Johnny Otis got his start leading a big band ...