Otis Redding
Long before Olivia Rodrigo alluded to her driver’s licence in song, Otis Redding’s ID card helped him get the break he so desperately needed. After all, if he hadn’t been hired to drive guitarist Johnny Jenkins to an audition in Memphis, Redding might never have showcased his own abilities for Stax Records, the legendary soul label who released his breakthrough single, These Arms Of Mine, in 1962.
Serendipity alone doesn’t explain Redding’s success: the future “King Of Soul” had the vast reserves of talent and dedication needed to get to the top. Recorded with Stax’s regular house band, Booker T And The MGs, the Macon, Georgia-born singer’s immaculate 1964 debut album, Pain In My Heart, was a commercial slow-burner, but its successors – not least UK Top 10 smash Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul – showcased his raw, yet highly emotive, voice and established Redding among the best soul singers of all time by the time he played 1967’s Monterey International Pop Festival.
The future should have been his for the taking from thereon in, but just days after recording his glorious, chart-topping signature song, (Sittin’ On The) Dock Of The Bay, Otis Redding died in a plane crash, in December 1967, his tragically premature passing robbing modern music of one of its most singular talents.
Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes & More Featured In New HBO Doc ‘Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.’
The original, four-part series debuts Monday, May 20 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO.
‘Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul’: Behind The Timeless Masterpiece
Some albums are stuck in time. Some don’t fit any time. A few suit their era yet transcend it. Such is ‘Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul’.
Best Atlantic Records Soul Albums: 20 Thrillers From The Home Of Soul
The best Atlantic Records soul albums not only invented soul music, they shaped it over decades, making history with each new record.
Jim Stewart, Founder Of Stax Records, Dies At 92
The visionary producer signed many of soul and R&B’s most influential musicians, including Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes.
Otis Redding Foundation To Host Weekend Of Events Celebrating 81 Years Of Otis Redding
The events, taking place across 9-10 September in Macon, GA, will feature stars including Robert Glasper and Mickey Guyton.
Best 60s Songs: 20 Stone-Cold Classics From Pop’s Golden Decade
In the era of Beatles and Monkees, the times certainly were a-changin’ – and the best 60s songs provided a soundtrack like no other.
Best 60s Albums: 20 Classics From The Decade That Changed It All
Coming into bloom in the flower-power era, the best 60s albums cover psychedelic excursions, folk-rock introspection and hard-rock rebellion.
Try A Little Tenderness: How Otis Redding’s Midas Touch Found Soul Gold
A sentimental ballad Otis Redding didn’t think suited him, Try A Little Tenderness became a passion-filled powerhouse in the singer’s hands.
Otis Redding To Be Honoured By The State Of Georgia
Otis Redding will be celebrated on Thursday 9 September - which would have been his 80th birthday - by the State of Georgia.
Best Otis Redding Songs: 20 Classics From The Giant Of Soul Music
From storming dance anthems to tear-stained declarations of love, the best Otis Redding songs prove why the singer remains a soul music icon.
Most Influential Bands And Musicians: 30 Artists Who Changed Music Forever
The music world owes a debt to many great innovators and pioneers. Our 30 most influential musicians of all time paved the way…
Be the first to know
Stay up-to-date with the latest music news, new releases, special offers and other discounts!