Redding, Otis (1941-1967), an African American singer and composer, ranks among the most important figures in the history of soul music. Redding’s professional career lasted only a few years before he died in an airplane crash at the age of 26. But during the early and middle 1960’s, his passionate singing and his hit compositions made him a popular performer among black audiences. In 1967, Redding made a triumphant appearance at the Monterey International Pop Festival, indicating he was beginning to broaden his appeal to white rock music audiences at the time of his death.
Redding’s most popular recording was “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” recorded a few days before his death but not released until 1968. Redding wrote many of his own songs, often collaborating with the guitarist Steve Cropper. His hits included “Mr. Pitiful” (1965), “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)” (written with Jerry Butler, 1965), “I Can’t Turn You Loose” (1965), “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” and “My Lover’s Prayer” (both 1966), and “Tramp” (a duet with Carla Thomas, 1967). Redding wrote “Respect” and recorded it in 1965. The song became a number-one hit for the American soul singer Aretha Franklin in 1967. He also co-wrote “Sweet Soul Music” with Arthur Conley. The song became a hit for Conley in 1967. Redding also made hit recordings of the Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1966), the traditional pop standard “Try a Little Tenderness” (1966), and Sam Cooke’s “Shake” (1967).
Otis Ray Redding, Jr., was born on Sept. 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, and grew up in Macon. He dropped out of high school in the 10th grade and joined a rhythm and blues group called the Pinetoppers, led by Johnny Jenkins. In 1960, Redding made his first solo recordings, including “She’s Alright.” He recorded “Shout Bamalama” in 1961, and “These Arms of Mine” (1962) became a minor hit in 1963.
On Dec. 10, 1967, Redding died in an airplane crash in a lake near Madison, Wisconsin, along with several other people, including four members of his backup group, the Bar-Kays. Redding was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
