description Otis Redding Overview
Otis Redding was an American soul and R&B singer born in Dawson, Georgia, who became a defining figure of Southern soul music. Recording for Stax Records in the 1960s, he released influential recordings including '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay,' 'Try a Little Tenderness,' and 'Respect,' the latter later covered by Aretha Franklin. His career was cut short when he died in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, at age 26. His raw, emotive vocal style influenced generations of soul and R&B artists.
insights Ranking position
Otis Redding ranks #18 of 225 in the Singer ranking, behind Sam Cooke, ahead of Johnny Cash.
help Otis Redding FAQ
What record label was Otis Redding signed to?
Otis Redding recorded for Stax Records, the legendary Memphis-based soul label, beginning in the early 1960s. His recordings were backed by the Stax house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, and the Mar-Keys horns, which helped define the raw, emotionally direct Southern soul sound.
When was "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" released?
"(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released in January 1968, just weeks after Otis Redding's death in a plane crash on December 10, 1967. It became his only number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 and won two Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Song.
Did Otis Redding perform at Monterey Pop Festival?
Yes, Otis Redding delivered a now-legendary performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival on June 17, 1967, backed by Booker T. & the M.G.'s. His set, which included "Try a Little Tenderness" and "I've Been Loving You Too Long," introduced him to a large white rock audience and is often cited as a career-defining moment.
How did Otis Redding die?
Otis Redding died on December 10, 1967, when his chartered Beechcraft plane crashed into Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin. He was 26 years old, and four members of his backing band, the Bar-Kays, also perished in the crash.
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