Biography
Otis Redding (September 9, 1941 – December 10, 1967) was an American singer and songwriter and one of the most important figures in the history of soul music. His powerful voice, emotional intensity, and dynamic stage presence made him one of the defining performers of the 1960s. He was born in Dawson, Georgia, and moved with his family to Macon when he was two years old. He began singing at an early age in the choir of Vineville Baptist Church and later played in his school band. As a teenager, he regularly entered talent contests at Macon's Douglass Theatre, winning repeatedly and becoming well known locally. In 1958 he began performing with guitarist Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers. Redding's breakthrough came in 1962 when he accompanied Jenkins to a recording session at Stax Records in Memphis. When studio time remained at the end of the session, Redding was given the opportunity to record. He performed his own ballad "These Arms of Mine", which became his first major success and launched his association with Stax and its Volt label.Over the next several years, Redding recorded a remarkable series of soul classics, including "I've Been Loving You Too Long", "Mr. Pitiful", "Respect", "Try a Little Tenderness" and "I Can't Turn You Loose". Drawing on gospel and rhythm and blues, he developed a vocal style marked by extraordinary emotional force. His song "Respect" later became internationally famous through Aretha Franklin's landmark 1967 recording.
By 1967 Redding's career was rapidly expanding. He toured Europe with the Stax-Volt revue and gave a celebrated performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival in California, where he reached a large new audience from the emerging rock generation. During the same year he began experimenting with a more reflective musical direction. While staying near San Francisco, he developed the idea for "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay", which he completed with guitarist Steve Cropper. The final recording was made only days before his death.
