Otis Redding (Born 19/09/1941, Died 10/12/1967)

Born in Dawson, Georgia, his career kicked off in 1959 in a local group, Johnny Jenkins & The Pinetoppers singing in the style of Little Richard, one of his earlier influences. In 1962 he recorded a couple of demos on the tail end of a Johnny Jenkins session for the Stax studios in Memphis, including the first of his really well known songs 'These Arms Of Mine'. A long run of excellent singles followed, including 'Pain In My Heart' (an adaptation of Irma Thomas' 'Ruler Of My Heart'), 'I've Been Loving You Too Long', 'Respect' and his version of Smokey Robinson's 'My Girl' and Sam Cooke's 'Shake'.

His most renowned album is probably "Otis Blue" and not without good reason. It's an album of great maturity, excellent material and with the added advantage of superb backing from Booker T. And The MGs. Worth a bit of anyone's pay cheque and good value at mid price.
Redding was also influential in pushing forward the talents of other performers; he formed his own production company and label (Jotis), signed Arthur Conley and wrote and produced 'Sweet Soul Music' for him in 1966. He continued to produce excellent material of his own, releasing "Dictionary Of Soul" and continuing his singles successes with 'Try A Little Tenderness'.

Two facts probably influence Redding's position as the most revered singer of his time:-
Firstly, he performed at the 1967 Monterey pop festival and his version of 'Try A Little Tenderness' in the film remains unforgettable.
Secondly, Redding died in a plane crash in 1967 (only one member of the Barkays band survived the accident) and, shortly afterwards, he scored the biggest hit of his career '(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay'.
Redding, unlike many of his contemporaries (Solomon Burke, Wilson Pickett, Jerry Butler etc.) never had to deal with changing musical fashion, the difficulties of going out of style, the development of disco and the demise of the soul ballad. Consequently, his reputation has if anything increased over the years, unsullied by a requirement to survive the music business vagaries faced by all the others.

However, this is not to deny his many qualities. Listen to "Otis Redding - Dock Of The Bay (Definitive Collection)" (on Rhino) which collects nineteen of his very best recordings and showcases his undoubted abilities. There is now a 2CD "Best Of" at a single CD price, which is excellent value and probably the best starter package. In the Primer's view his reputation now outstrips his real talent - but there is an excellent Box Set for those who disagree!