Today, September 9th is the birthday of Otis Redding, one of the greatest artists in the history of soul music. His unique voice and emotional intensity made him an icon of the 1960s. The artwork above and his portrait on the musical birthday calendar/reference work below are made by me, Frieke.
Otis Ray Redding Jr. was born on September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, USA. He grew up in Macon, Georgia. His father worked as a preacher and at an air force base. Otis developed a passion for music early on and began singing in church at a young age. He later performed at school events and talent shows. He was influenced by artists like Sam Cooke and Little Richard, who also came from Macon.
At the beginning of his career, Redding worked as a driver and roadie for blues guitarist Johnny Jenkins. During a recording session with Jenkins, Redding got the chance to record his own song These Arms of Mine, marking the start of his career. Otis signed a record deal with the iconic Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, which was a major hub for soul music. There, he collaborated with producers like Jim Stewart and Booker T. & the M.G.'s, who often served as his backing band.
Throughout the 1960s, Otis Redding scored several hits such as: I've Been Loving You Too Long - Respect (later made famous by Aretha Franklin), Try a Little Tenderness - Mr. Pitiful and his most iconic song, (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay, which was released after his death. It became his first and only number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and is one of the most recognizable songs in pop and soul history.
Otis Redding performed numerous shows in the US and Europe, including the famous Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, which opened the door to a wider audience. With his raw, powerful voice and intense performances, he significantly expanded his fanbase.
On December 10, 1967, at just 26 years old, Otis Redding tragically died in a plane crash in Lake Monona, near Madison, Wisconsin. Six members of his backing band, The Bar-Kays, also perished in the crash.
Otis Redding had a profound influence on soul music and artists such as Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Aretha Franklin. His blend of raw emotion and musical finesse defined the "southern soul" sound of the 1960s. He was one of the first soul artists to reach both Black and white audiences and played a crucial role in breaking down racial barriers in the music world. His music remains popular worldwide and is often covered by artists from various genres.
He passed away on December 10, 1967, in a plane crash in Wisconsin, along with several members of his band, The Bar-Kays. This was a tremendous loss for the music world. After his death, his songs remained beloved by fans and critics, and he received posthumous awards.
In 1968, his iconic song "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" won two Grammy Awards.
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