Watch James Otto Salute Prince With Dynamic ‘Purple Rain’
As the loss of Prince yesterday at age 57 continues to resonate throughout the music industry, artists from all genres have been turning in their own musical tributes. “Purple Rain” has been the go-to song choice, with Jake Owen singing a stripped-down version yesterday at a convention in Las Vegas, and James Otto showing off his textured voice during an appearance on the radio show Big D and Bubba this morning.
For Otto, one of country music’s most underrated vocalists (listen to his Elvis tribute “Where Angels Hang Around”), “Purple Rain” is a natural. The “Just Got Started Lovin’ You” singer delivers tasteful runs, breaking into a passionate growl near the song’s end. Otto is currently on the road in support of his new single “Somewhere Tonight.”
“Purple Rain” has also been a concert staple for Darius Rucker, who was devastated by the death of Prince. “He made me stand up and listen when the Controversy album came out,” he told Rolling Stone Country yesterday, referencing Prince’s 1981 collection. “And then he made me want to be in a band more than anything with ‘Purple Rain.’ I will forever be indebted to him for showing me true greatness.”