Otis Redding (1941-1967) was an influential American singer, songwriter, and performer, known for his powerful voice and emotive delivery. He was one of the most prominent figures in soul music during the 1960s and is often referred to as the “King of Soul.”
Born on September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, Otis Redding began singing gospel music as a child. He later transitioned to rhythm and blues and gained attention for his energetic live performances and soulful voice. Redding’s breakthrough came in the early 1960s when he signed with Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee.
Redding’s recording career took off in the mid-1960s, and he quickly became known for hits such as “These Arms of Mine,” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” and “Respect,” which was later famously covered by Aretha Franklin. Redding’s music was characterized by its raw emotion, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious rhythm.
One of Redding’s most iconic songs is “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” released in 1968. The song became his first and only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is considered one of the greatest soul songs of all time.
Tragically, Otis Redding’s life and career were cut short when he died in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, at the age of 26. Despite his untimely death, Redding’s influence on soul music and popular culture continues to be felt to this day. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and remains revered as one of the greatest singers of all time.
1. (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is a soul song by Otis Redding, released in 1968. It is one of his most famous and beloved songs.
Written by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was recorded just days before Redding’s tragic death in a plane crash in December 1967. The song was released posthumously in January 1968 and became an instant hit.
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is characterized by its laid-back groove, melancholy lyrics, and distinctive whistling melody. The song reflects on themes of longing, introspection, and the passage of time. Redding’s soulful vocals and heartfelt delivery add to the emotional impact of the song.
One of the most memorable aspects of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is its whistled outro, which Redding added spontaneously during the recording session. This unique and unexpected element became one of the song’s defining features.
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming Otis Redding’s first and only single to top the charts. It also received critical acclaim and has since been recognized as one of the greatest soul songs of all time.
Overall, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners around the world. Its poignant lyrics, soulful vocals, and unforgettable melody have ensured its enduring popularity for decades.
2. Try a Little Tenderness
“Try a Little Tenderness” is a soul song written by Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and Harry M. Woods. Although it has been recorded by various artists, the version by Otis Redding is perhaps the most well-known.
Otis Redding recorded “Try a Little Tenderness” in 1966, and it was released as a single and also included on his album “Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul.” Redding’s rendition of the song became highly influential and is considered one of his signature songs.
The song’s lyrics encourage showing compassion and tenderness in a relationship, even during difficult times. Redding’s emotive vocals and soulful delivery bring depth and passion to the song, making it a timeless classic.
“Try a Little Tenderness” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Otis Redding’s version remains the definitive rendition. It has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a soul standard and one of Redding’s most beloved recordings.
3. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” is a classic soul song written by Otis Redding and Jerry Butler. Otis Redding recorded and released the song in 1965, and it became one of his signature songs.
The song is characterized by its soulful melody, passionate vocals, and heartfelt lyrics. In “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” the narrator expresses deep love and devotion to their partner, despite the pain and challenges they may face in the relationship. The song’s emotional intensity and raw vulnerability resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic in the soul genre.
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” was a commercial success for Otis Redding, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. The song has since been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, television shows, and commercials.
Otis Redding’s rendition of “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” is considered one of the greatest soul recordings of all time. His powerful vocals and impassioned delivery capture the essence of the song’s lyrics, earning it a place in the pantheon of soul music classics.
4. Respect
“Respect” is a soul song originally written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. However, it was Aretha Franklin’s rendition of the song that became iconic.
Aretha Franklin’s version of “Respect” was released in 1967 and quickly became one of her signature songs. Franklin’s powerful vocals and commanding delivery transformed the song into an anthem of empowerment and liberation.
“Respect” features memorable lines such as “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me” and “Take care, TCB,” which became widely recognized catchphrases. The song’s lyrics convey a message of self-respect and demand for equality, resonating with the civil rights and feminist movements of the time.
Aretha Franklin’s rendition of “Respect” topped the charts and became her first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also earned her two Grammy Awards, including Best Rhythm & Blues Recording.
“Respect” remains one of Aretha Franklin’s most enduring and iconic songs. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials. The song’s timeless message and Franklin’s powerhouse performance continue to inspire and uplift audiences around the world.
5. These Arms of Mine
“These Arms of Mine” is a soul song written and originally performed by Otis Redding. It was released as a single in 1962 and later included on his debut album, “Pain in My Heart.”
The song features Redding’s soulful vocals and heartfelt delivery, accompanied by a simple arrangement of piano, guitar, and drums. Lyrically, “These Arms of Mine” expresses the narrator’s longing and desire for love and affection. Redding sings about the comfort and solace he finds in the arms of his loved one, emphasizing the emotional connection and intimacy they share.
“These Arms of Mine” was a breakthrough hit for Otis Redding, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard R&B chart. It established him as a talented singer-songwriter and helped launch his career in the music industry.
The song has since become one of Redding’s most enduring and beloved recordings. Its timeless melody, heartfelt lyrics, and soulful performance have made it a classic in the soul genre. “These Arms of Mine” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, solidifying its status as a soul music standard.
6. I Can’t Turn You Loose
“I Can’t Turn You Loose” is a soul song written by Otis Redding, which was originally released in 1965. It gained significant popularity as a live performance staple for Redding and became one of his signature songs.
The song’s energetic and upbeat tempo, along with Redding’s passionate delivery, made it a crowd favorite during his live performances. It features lively horn arrangements and a catchy refrain, making it a quintessential example of Redding’s soulful style.
“I Can’t Turn You Loose” has been covered by various artists over the years, including The Blues Brothers, whose rendition became particularly well-known. The Blues Brothers’ version was prominently featured in the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers” and its soundtrack, helping to introduce the song to a new generation of listeners.
Overall, “I Can’t Turn You Loose” remains a classic soul anthem that showcases Otis Redding’s dynamic vocals and infectious energy. Its irresistible groove and timeless appeal continue to captivate audiences and make it a favorite among fans of soul music.
7. Mr. Pitiful
“Mr. Pitiful” is a soul song written by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper. It was recorded by Otis Redding and released as a single in 1965.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is down on his luck and struggling with various hardships in life. Despite his difficulties, he maintains a sense of resilience and determination, earning him the nickname “Mr. Pitiful.” The song’s title is a term of endearment used ironically to describe the protagonist’s plight.
“Mr. Pitiful” features Otis Redding’s soulful vocals and energetic performance, backed by a lively arrangement of horns, guitar, and drums. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo contrast with its somber lyrics, creating a compelling and memorable musical experience.
“Mr. Pitiful” was a commercial success for Otis Redding, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. It has since become one of his most popular and enduring recordings, remaining a favorite among fans of soul music.
The song has been covered by various artists over the years and has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a soul music classic.
8. Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)
“Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” is a soul song by Otis Redding, released in 1966. It was written by Redding and Steve Cropper and became one of his notable hits.
The song’s title refers to the refrain repeated throughout the song, with Otis Redding singing “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” in a soulful and emotive manner. The lyrics convey themes of heartache and longing, as the narrator expresses his sadness and frustration over a failed relationship.
“Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” features Redding’s trademark raspy vocals, backed by a lively horn section and a driving rhythm. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious groove contrast with its melancholy lyrics, creating a powerful emotional impact.
Despite its somber subject matter, “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” has a catchy melody and a sense of resilience that resonates with listeners. It became a hit for Otis Redding and remains a favorite among fans of soul music.
Overall, “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” is a testament to Otis Redding’s talent as a singer and songwriter, showcasing his ability to infuse even the saddest of songs with soul and energy.
9. Satisfaction
“Satisfaction” is a rock song by the Rolling Stones, released in 1965. It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the primary songwriting duo of the band.
The song is characterized by its iconic guitar riff, played by Keith Richards, and its rebellious lyrics. Mick Jagger’s vocals convey a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the consumer-driven society of the time, as he declares, “I can’t get no satisfaction.” The song’s lyrics touch on themes of commercialism, media saturation, and the search for fulfillment in modern life.
“Satisfaction” became a massive hit for the Rolling Stones, topping the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It is considered one of the band’s signature songs and a defining moment in the history of rock music.
The song’s infectious groove, catchy melody, and rebellious attitude made it an anthem for the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Its enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in numerous lists of the greatest songs of all time, and it continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded.
10. That’s How Strong My Love Is
“That’s How Strong My Love Is” is a soul song written by Roosevelt Jamison. It was first recorded by O.V. Wright in 1964 and later became a hit for Otis Redding in 1965.
Otis Redding’s version of “That’s How Strong My Love Is” is characterized by his impassioned vocals and soulful delivery. The song features a slow tempo and a bluesy arrangement, with Redding’s raw emotion shining through in every note.
The lyrics of “That’s How Strong My Love Is” express deep devotion and commitment, with the narrator professing the strength and depth of their love for their partner. The song’s powerful message and heartfelt delivery struck a chord with audiences, making it one of Redding’s most enduring and beloved songs.
“That’s How Strong My Love Is” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Rolling Stones, who recorded a popular version of the song in 1965. However, it is Otis Redding’s rendition that remains the definitive version, solidifying its status as a classic soul ballad.
Overall, “That’s How Strong My Love Is” is a timeless love song that showcases Otis Redding’s talent as a vocalist and his ability to convey emotion with authenticity and sincerity. It continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release, standing as a testament to the enduring power of soul music.