Otis Ray Redding, Jr. (September 9, 1941 – December 10, 1967) was an influential American deep soul singer, best known for his passionate delivery and posthumous hit single (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay. Other notable tracks are I’ve Been Loving You Too Long, Try a Little Tenderness, Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song), Respect (also a big hit for Aretha Franklin), I Can’t Turn You Loose, Mr Pitiful, Shake and Tramp (with Carla Thomas). His best known album, originally a vinyl L.P, is probably “Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul”.

He and others (such as Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd and Carla Thomas) typified the raw and electrifying “Southern Fried” soul sounds coming from the Memphis-based Stax/Volt label. There were also similarities and interactions with Atlantic artists such as Solomon Burke, Arthur Conley, Percy Sledge and Aretha Franklin. This powerful soul sound is showcased on the Atlantic and Stax album “Ben E. ... read more »