Otis Ray Redding Jr.
9th September, 1941
It seems a little strange that Otis Redding, one of the most famous soul singers of all time, had such a short career. His first hit single, which only reached number 20 in the US R&B Charts, This Heart of Mine, was released in 1962 and the last of his hits, while alive, including Try a Little Tenderness were all released in 1967, the year he died in a plane crash. He didn’t even reach the magical age of 27 when all those other famous pop stars from Janis Joplin to Kurt Cobain seemed to die.
Incidentally, the 27 Club is something of a myth and there’s no particular statistical jump in the death of famous musicians at that age. 56 is, apparently, the dangerous time for musicians, when 2.2% of them are likely to drop dead, compared to only 1.3% at 27. If I were Keith Urban or Kylie Minogue, I’d be holding tightly to the banister when walking downstairs for the next few months.
What might be even more surprising is that Otis Redding’s biggest hit, (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay was recorded only days before his Beechcraft H18 crashed into Lake Monona, Wisconsin, killing everyone on board, including Jimmy King, Phalon Jones, Ronnie Caldwell, Carl Cunningham, Matthew Kelly and the pilot Richard Fraser. Dock of the Bay was released posthumously and went straight to number one.
Otis Redding was born on September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia. His voice, a mixture of raw power and emotional depth, became emblematic of the Southern soul genre that emerged in the 1960s. Throughout his tragically short career, Redding's music bridged the divide between rhythm and blues, soul, and rock, influencing countless artists who came after him. His ability to evoke heart-wrenching sorrow in ballads, as well as his infectious energy in up-tempo numbers, solidified him as one of the most memorable vocalists of his generation.
Redding’s early life was deeply rooted in the church, where he first began to develop his distinctive voice. His father, Otis Redding Sr., was a preacher and worked as a sharecropper, while his mother, Fannie Roseman, was a housewife. Like many soul artists of the time, Redding’s first exposure to music was through gospel, singing in church choirs. His upbringing in the racially segregated South also shaped much of his outlook, both musically and personally.
His move to Macon, Georgia, as a teenager was pivotal. It was here that he joined his first band, the Upsetters, and performed regularly at local venues. His passion for music only grew, leading him to participate in talent shows and work with various bands, including Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers. It was in 1962, during a recording session for Jenkins, that Redding’s big break occurred. After Jenkins finished recording at Stax Studios in Memphis, there was some time left over, so Redding recorded two songs, including These Arms of Mine. The ballad was raw, emotional, and entirely distinct from anything else coming out of Stax at the time. Released as a single, it became a modest hit, signalling the start of Redding’s fruitful relationship with the label.
Stax Records, known for its soulful sound and its integration of Black and white musicians, was where Redding truly flourished. His recordings with the studio’s house band, Booker T. & the MG’s, became legendary. In the mid-1960s, songs like Mr. Pitiful, I've Been Loving You Too Long, and Respect brought him wider attention. Unlike other artists, Redding wasn’t content to stick to the boundaries of soul and rhythm and blues. His music had a unique ability to cross genres, appealing to both Black and white audiences. His songwriting also reflected this cross-cultural appeal, blending the energy of rock with the emotional depth of gospel and soul. His rendition of Try a Little Tenderness, for example, showcased his ability to turn a gentle love song into a powerhouse performance.
Despite his growing fame, Redding remained grounded, deeply connected to his Southern roots and devoted to his family. He married Zelma Atwood in 1961, and they had three children together. His family was a constant source of support and inspiration throughout his career. Known for his work ethic, Redding was a relentless performer, constantly touring and recording. This drive, however, eventually took a toll on his health, as he frequently battled hoarseness and exhaustion from his demanding schedule.
One of the defining moments in Redding’s career came in 1967, when he performed at the Monterey Pop Festival. The festival was primarily a showcase for the burgeoning rock movement, featuring artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. Redding, one of the few Black performers at the event, took to the stage with an electrifying set that captivated the largely white audience. His performance of Respect and other hits introduced him to a whole new demographic and is often credited with helping him break into the mainstream rock market. This appearance marked a turning point, solidifying his status not just as a soul singer, but as a major figure in American popular music.
In the months following Monterey, Redding began to experiment with new sounds and ideas. His music took on a more introspective quality, as seen in songs like (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay. Recorded in 1967, the song was a departure from his usual energetic style, featuring a more laid-back, reflective tone. Written in part during a stay in Sausalito, California, Redding incorporated elements of folk and pop, while the song’s lyrics reflected his growing contemplation of life and career. Dock of the Bay was a meditation on solitude and longing, themes that resonated with listeners across racial and cultural lines.
On December 10, 1967, while en route to a performance in Madison, Wisconsin, his plane crashed into Lake Monona. He was only 26 years old. (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay was released posthumously in 1968, becoming his first and only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. It went on to sell over four million copies, cementing Redding's place in music history.
Otis Redding's legacy has endured for decades. He is often credited with shaping the sound of Southern soul, and his music laid the groundwork for many of the artists who came after him. His influence extended beyond soul and rhythm and blues, reaching into rock, pop, and even country music. His emotive delivery and ability to infuse songs with a sense of vulnerability set him apart from many of his contemporaries. In the years following his death, his music continued to inspire generations of musicians, from Al Green and Aretha Franklin to rock bands like The Rolling Stones and The Black Crowes.
Beyond his music, Redding’s life and career also symbolized the possibilities of racial unity in a divided America. He worked closely with white musicians, particularly at Stax Records, at a time when segregation was still a harsh reality in the South. His ability to transcend racial barriers, both in his collaborations and in his appeal to diverse audiences, was a testament to the power of music to bring people together.
In 1989, Redding was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition for a man whose contributions to music were immeasurable. Today, his songs continue to be covered, sampled, and celebrated by artists from all genres. Whether through the raw emotion of These Arms of Mine or the reflective melancholy of (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay, Otis Redding’s voice remains a timeless presence in the world of music. He is remembered not only for his immense talent but for his enduring spirit and the profound impact he had on American music and culture.