John Otway, born October 2, 1952, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, is a singer-songwriter known for cultivating a dedicated cult following through persistent touring, a distinctive sense of humor, and an endearing underdog persona. Despite an early start with his 1972 single "Gypsy/Misty Mountain," Otway's initial rise to prominence was fueled by the punk rock movement and a memorable, energetic performance on the television show The Old Grey Whistle Test.
His 1977 single, the half-spoken love song "Really Free," achieved modest success, reaching number 27 on the UK Singles Chart. This became his most significant chart hit for some time, making it relatively easy to find on the second-hand market. Rarer still are the single's picture cover and the even more elusive advertising sleeve, which featured promotional material and a cut-out sticker. The success of "Really Free" secured Otway a five-album deal with Polydor Records, who initially perceived him as a punk artist.
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