Otis Redding, born on September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, was an American soul singer and songwriter who became one of the most influential figures in soul music and rhythm and blues (R&B). Redding’s singing style was powerfully emotive and deeply soulful, characterized by his gritty voice and passionate delivery. He is often remembered for his energetic performances and his ability to convey deep emotions through his music, making him a central figure in the soul movement of the 1960s.
Redding’s breakthrough came with his performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, which introduced him to a wider, predominantly white audience. His most famous song, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” was recorded just days before his tragic death in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, at the age of 26. The song showcased a more introspective side of Redding, featuring a melancholic melody and reflective lyrics. It became the first posthumous number-one single on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts in the United States.
Despite his career being cut short, Otis Redding’s legacy endures. He left behind a rich catalog of songs that include soulful hits like “Try a Little Tenderness,” “Respect” (later famously covered by Aretha Franklin), and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long.” Redding’s influence on soul music and the broader musical landscape remains profound, with his work inspiring countless artists across various genres.
1. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is a song co-written by soul singer Otis Redding and guitarist Steve Cropper. It was recorded by Redding in 1967, just days before his untimely death in a plane crash on December 10, 1967. Released posthumously in January 1968, the song became an instant classic, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, marking the first posthumous number-one single in U.S. chart history.
The song marked a significant departure from Redding’s previous work, showcasing a more introspective and melancholic sound. Its reflective lyrics, coupled with the distinctive sound of waves and seagulls in the background, evoke a sense of contemplation and longing. The song’s iconic opening line, “Sittin’ in the morning sun, I’ll be sittin’ when the evening comes,” captures the essence of its meditative mood.
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” has been widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time, celebrated for its emotional depth and Redding’s soulful vocal performance. It has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, becoming a timeless standard that resonates with audiences around the world. The song’s enduring popularity and critical acclaim have solidified Otis Redding’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of soul music.
2. “Try a Little Tenderness”
“Try a Little Tenderness” is a song written by Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and Harry M. Woods in 1932. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but the most iconic and influential version was recorded by Otis Redding in 1966. Redding’s rendition transformed the song from a standard pop ballad into a soulful, powerful expression of emotion and became one of his signature songs, showcasing his unique vocal style and emotional depth.
The song begins softly, with Redding’s tender and nuanced delivery, and gradually builds to a passionate and explosive climax, backed by a dynamic arrangement from Booker T. & the M.G.’s, complete with horns and a tight rhythm section. This progression mirrors the song’s plea for gentleness and understanding in a relationship, emphasizing the transformative power of love and tenderness.
Otis Redding’s performance of “Try a Little Tenderness” has left a lasting legacy, influencing countless artists across various genres and solidifying his place in music history as one of the greatest soul singers of all time. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal message, the timeless quality of Redding’s interpretation, and its ability to resonate deeply with listeners.
“Try a Little Tenderness” has been featured in movies, commercials, and has been sampled and referenced in other songs, further cementing its status as a classic piece of music that continues to be discovered and cherished by new generations.
3. “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” is one of Otis Redding’s most iconic and enduring songs, further cementing his status as a soul music legend. Released in 1965, the song was co-written by Redding and Jerry Butler, and it quickly became a standout track in Redding’s discography, showcasing his raw emotional delivery and powerful vocal range.
The song is a deep, soulful ballad that speaks to the enduring and sometimes painful aspects of love. Its lyrics express a deep, unwavering commitment, despite facing difficulties and the potential end of a relationship. Redding’s performance is filled with passion and vulnerability, making “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” a quintessential soul music anthem that has moved audiences for decades.
Otis Redding’s rendition of “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” is notable for its emotional intensity and the simplicity of its arrangement, which allows his voice to be the focal point. The song features minimal instrumentation, with a gentle organ, subtle guitar lines, and a soft rhythm section that builds slightly in intensity, mirroring the emotional crescendo of Redding’s vocal delivery.
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” was a significant success, and it remains a beloved classic, often cited as one of the greatest soul songs ever recorded. It has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, but Redding’s original version stands as a testament to his extraordinary talent and the depth of his emotional expression. The song was also a highlight of Redding’s performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest live performances in the history of popular music.
Otis Redding’s untimely death in a plane crash in 1967 cut short a promising career, but songs like “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” have ensured his legacy endures, influencing countless singers and musicians and continuing to resonate with listeners around the world.
4. “These Arms of Mine”
“These Arms of Mine” is a soulful ballad that marked the beginning of Otis Redding’s illustrious career. Released in 1962 as his debut single, the song was recorded after Redding had the opportunity to perform it during a session break at Stax Records. The song’s raw emotional power and Redding’s heartfelt vocal delivery immediately captured the attention of the label, leading to its release and Redding’s subsequent rise to fame.
With its simple, poignant lyrics and tender melody, “These Arms of Mine” showcases Redding’s ability to convey deep feelings of longing and love through his music. The song speaks directly to listeners, with Redding pleading for the embrace of a loved one, making it universally relatable. The track’s sparse arrangement, featuring subtle instrumentation behind Redding’s powerful voice, emphasizes the song’s emotional depth, making it a standout ballad of the soul genre.
“These Arms of Mine” quickly became a commercial success, charting on both the R&B and pop charts, and has since become one of Redding’s most beloved and enduring songs. It laid the foundation for his career as a soul music icon, showcasing his unique talent for expressing the complexities of the human heart through song. The track remains a timeless classic, embodying the essence of soul music and Redding’s lasting impact on the genre.
5. “Respect”
“Respect” is a song originally written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. However, it was Aretha Franklin’s cover version, released in 1967, that transformed the song into an anthem for the feminist and civil rights movements, cementing its place in music history. Franklin’s rendition of “Respect” became a landmark recording, showcasing her powerful vocals, charismatic delivery, and the song’s message of empowerment and demand for respect.
Aretha Franklin’s version adds a new dimension to the song, with her arrangement including the famous spelling out of “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” and the backup singers’ addition of “Sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me…” which were not present in Redding’s original. These elements, combined with Franklin’s vocal prowess, turned “Respect” into an empowering anthem that transcended its original context.
The song became a massive hit, reaching the top of the Billboard charts and earning Aretha Franklin two Grammy Awards in 1968. Beyond its commercial success, “Respect” has been recognized for its cultural impact, serving as a rallying cry for women’s rights and racial equality. Franklin’s interpretation of the song has been widely praised for its emotional depth and her ability to convey a powerful message through music.
“Respect” has since been covered by numerous artists and remains an enduring symbol of the fight for dignity, equality, and respect for all. Aretha Franklin’s version is considered one of the greatest recordings in music history and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1987. The song’s legacy continues to inspire and resonate with new generations, showcasing the enduring power of music to effect social change.
6. “I Can’t Turn You Loose”
“I Can’t Turn You Loose” is a high-energy soul song by Otis Redding, released in 1965 as the B-side to his single “Just One More Day.” Known for its driving bass line and Redding’s impassioned vocals, the song quickly became a staple of Redding’s live performances and a fan favorite. Its up-tempo beat and memorable horn section make it one of the definitive examples of the energetic style of soul music that characterized much of Redding’s work and the Stax Records sound of the mid-1960s.
The song’s lyrics express the singer’s intense devotion and inability to let go of his love, delivered with Redding’s characteristic emotional intensity and raw power. “I Can’t Turn You Loose” has been widely covered and sampled by artists across various genres, attesting to its enduring appeal and influence. It also gained fame as the signature opening number for The Blues Brothers’ performances, further cementing its place in music history.
“I Can’t Turn You Loose” showcases Redding’s talent for crafting songs that are both deeply soulful and irresistibly danceable. The track’s energy and Redding’s powerful delivery exemplify the vitality of 1960s soul music, making it an enduring classic that continues to excite and move audiences decades after its release.
7. “Shake”
“Shake” is a song originally written and recorded by Sam Cooke, one of the most influential soul and R&B singers of all time. Released posthumously in 1964, shortly after Cooke’s tragic death, “Shake” exemplifies Cooke’s smooth vocal style, energetic performance, and ability to blend elements of R&B, soul, and pop music. The song has an upbeat tempo and an infectious rhythm, making it a classic dance track of its era.
Sam Cooke’s “Shake” showcases his talent for crafting songs that are both commercially appealing and artistically rich. The lyrics invite listeners to dance and let go of their troubles, embodying the joyous and liberating spirit of soul music. Cooke’s delivery is both powerful and nuanced, highlighting his exceptional vocal range and emotive singing style.
“Shake” became a hit and further solidified Sam Cooke’s legacy as a pioneering figure in soul music. The song’s success helped pave the way for future generations of soul and R&B artists, influencing the development of these genres throughout the 1960s and beyond.
Otis Redding, another soul music legend, also famously covered “Shake” and included it in his electrifying set at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. Redding’s version is more raw and energetic, featuring his signature raspy vocals and dynamic stage presence, which brought a new level of intensity to the song.
Both Cooke’s original recording and Redding’s cover of “Shake” remain beloved by fans of soul music and are celebrated for their contributions to the genre. The song exemplifies the power of soul music to uplift, energize, and connect with audiences, showcasing the timeless appeal of Sam Cooke’s music.
8. “Hard to Handle”
“Hard to Handle” is a soulful, upbeat track by Otis Redding, recorded in 1967 and released posthumously in 1968 on the album “The Immortal Otis Redding.” Written by Redding along with Al Bell and Allen Jones, the song features a funky, driving beat accompanied by Redding’s raw, impassioned vocals. It stands out for its energetic rhythm and catchy chorus, making it one of Redding’s most beloved and enduring songs.
The lyrics of “Hard to Handle” boast about the narrator’s romantic prowess, offering a playful and confident appeal to potential lovers. Redding’s delivery of these lines is filled with charisma and charm, showcasing his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his music. The song’s infectious groove made it a hit, reaching the top of the R&B charts and gaining significant popularity on the pop charts as well.
“Hard to Handle” has been covered by numerous artists across different genres, most notably by The Black Crowes in 1990, whose rock rendition brought the song to a new generation of listeners and became a major hit in its own right. The song’s widespread appeal lies in its blend of soulful energy, catchy melody, and Redding’s unparalleled vocal performance, solidifying “Hard to Handle” as a timeless classic in the canon of soul music.
9. “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)”
“Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” is a classic soul track by Otis Redding, released in 1966 on his album “Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul.” The song showcases Redding’s powerful and emotive vocal style, set against a backdrop of rich instrumentation that includes horns, a tight rhythm section, and a catchy, memorable chorus. The “fa-fa-fa-fa-fa” refrain mimics the sound of someone humming or singing wordlessly, expressing emotions beyond what words can convey.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of loneliness and longing, with Redding singing about the universal experience of feeling sad and seeking solace in music. Despite its themes of sadness, the track is delivered with an upbeat tempo and an infectious energy that is characteristic of Redding’s ability to blend emotional depth with compelling musical arrangements.
“Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” was well-received upon its release and has since become one of Otis Redding’s most beloved tracks, highlighting his unique talent for capturing the complexities of the human experience through soul music. The song’s blend of poignant lyrics with an engaging melody exemplifies Redding’s genius in creating music that resonates on an emotional level while still compelling listeners to move and groove.
Otis Redding’s untimely death in a plane crash in 1967 cut short a promising career, but songs like “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” have ensured his legacy endures. Redding’s influence on soul music and the broader musical landscape remains profound, with his recordings continuing to inspire and move new generations of fans and musicians alike.
10. “Mr. Pitiful”
“Mr. Pitiful” is a song co-written and performed by soul music legend Otis Redding, along with guitarist Steve Cropper. It was released in 1965 as a single and later included on the album “The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads,” also released in 1965. The song earned Redding the nickname “Mr. Pitiful” because of his ability to convey deep emotional pain and longing in his music, particularly in his ballads.
“Mr. Pitiful” stands out for its upbeat tempo and vibrant brass section, which contrasts with the more melancholic themes often found in Redding’s ballads. The song’s lyrics address the singer’s frustration with being pitied for his heartache, yet Redding delivers these lyrics with a lively and engaging energy that has made the track a favorite among fans of soul and R&B.
The collaboration between Otis Redding and Steve Cropper was a hallmark of Redding’s career, with Cropper contributing to many of Redding’s hits by providing distinctive guitar lines and co-writing several songs. Their partnership was instrumental in shaping the sound of Stax Records and the development of Southern soul music.
“Mr. Pitiful” showcases Redding’s unique vocal style, characterized by his passionate delivery and the emotional depth he brought to every performance. Despite the relatively short duration of his career, Redding’s influence on soul music and popular music more broadly is immeasurable. He left behind a legacy of timeless songs that continue to resonate with audiences around the world, and “Mr. Pitiful” is a shining example of his talent and impact.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
