*He wrote “Respect” which became the signature song for Aretha Franklin
I watched a very interesting episode about the late soul singer Otis Redding on the AXS TV channel the other night. It was amazing to see how, in just a few short years from his first charted recording “These Arms Of Mine” in 1962, Redding had risen to the top of the R&B genre and was on the verge of crossing over to pop at the time of his death December 10,1967 – two years to the date after singer Sam Cooke died.
Best known for songs like “Respect” (which he wrote and that was later covered by Aretha Franklin), his unique interpretation of “Try A Little Tenderness,” “Tramp” which he recorded as a duet with singer Carla Thomas, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” “Satisfaction” and “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” audiences and singers alike such as the dynamic duo Sam & Dave were blown away by Redding’s gritty soulful voice and energized stage performances. His audiences were young and old, black and white! A testament to his electrifying stage performance: At age 17 in 1958 he entered a talent contest, and after winning 15 consecutive times, he was banned!
Having outgrown the so-called “Chitlin’ Circuit,” small-town theaters and other venues, Redding set his sights on broader audiences, touring Canada, the Caribbean, Britain, France and Scandinavia. He did a show-stopping performance at the Monterey Pop Festival.
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Meanwhile, back at the ranch (his 300-acre “Big-O Ranch”) – from all his record sales and royalties, Redding had bought a ranch where he learned to farm, ride horses and do all the things he had dreamed of doing. He had become a millionaire!
Redding had become so popular in England that he dethroned Elvis Presley after his eight-year reign as “world’s best male vocalist.” In 1967 when he arrived on tour, The Beatles had sent their personal limo to greet him.
Sadly, at age 26, just two days after recording “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay,” Redding died in a plane crash with members of his touring band The Bar-Kays (“Soul Finger”). When his record company posthumously released “Dock” it soared to number one on the charts!! Here’s a link to his history filled and fascinating obituary:
https://www.otisredding.fr/otis_funeral.htm
For Black Music Month we remember Otis Redding whose memory lives on through his music and legacy.
Larry Buford is a Los Angeles-based contributing writer. Author of “Things Are Gettin’ Outta Hand” and “Book To The Future” Email: [email protected]
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