Otis Redding Is The Voice of Soul, A Songwriting Legend
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Otis Redding Is The Voice of Soul, A Songwriting Legend

The 60s would be nothing without this sweet soul music.

101
Otis Redding Is The Voice of Soul, A Songwriting Legend
Instagram

Otis Redding was known as the voice of soul music and recognized by his grainy voice and electrifying stage presence. He’s considered to be one of the best singers in music history and influenced the 1960s with his jazz, funk and soul-based arrangements. He was born in 1941 in Georgia where he grew up listening to singer-songwriters like Sam Cooke and Little Richard. He even joined Little Richard’s backing band, The Upsetters, in the late 1950s.

In the early 1960s, Redding started to record some of his first songs, including “Shout Bamalama” and “These Arms of Mine” which reached the number 20 spot on the R&B charts in 1963. Redding continued his work at Memphis’s Stax studios where he composed his own songs, wrote lyrics, and played guitar.

Redding wrote many of his biggest songs like “Mr. Pitiful,” “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song),” “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” and “My Lover’s Prayer.” In just one day, he recorded his album "Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul." He also collaborated with other popular artists; he released a duet album with Carla Thomas and produced Arthur Conley’s “Sweet Soul Music.”

Four days after Redding recorded his famous “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” he and his band, the Bar-Keys, died in a plane crash. Three albums of his recordings were released posthumously.

Otis Redding became a soul legend, inspiring artists from varying genres and generations. His distinct songwriting style inspired Mick Jagger from The Rolling Stones. And Redding reciprocated the love by covering “Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones. His direct style of lyric writing also inspired Jim Morrison from The Doors. His jazz, funk and soul approach even influenced modern hip hop and R&B artists like Kanye West, Sampha, and Tyler, The Creator.

Redding wrote and co-wrote classic songs like “Respect” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” which were sung by Aretha Franklin and Etta James, respectively. “Respect” became a legendary song and influenced artists of the ‘60s.

Redding’s biggest hit, “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” is known for impacting the soul movement with his combination of traditional rhythm and blues with folk music. He died a month before the song was released. The song became his most popular song and became the first posthumous #1 single in the U.S..

Redding’s emotional and distinct voice would create an immediate connection between him and his audience. His energy was unparalleled and his stage persona was electrifying and genuine. His performance style was loved by his fans. When he performed at the Monterey International Pop Festival, he was well-liked by the crowd. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards in 1999.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52185
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33543
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956340
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181230
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments