Otis Redding

Otis Redding on vinyl: the voice of Southern soul

In short: Otis Redding (1941–1967), who grew up in Macon, Georgia, is regarded as one of the greatest voices in soul. At Stax in Memphis he recorded classics such as “Respect”, “Try A Little Tenderness” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” in just a few years. He died in a plane crash aged only 26; “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” then became his biggest hit. The Vinyl Room currently has 7 Otis Redding records.

What makes Otis Redding special?

Redding sang with raw warmth and built his songs up to ecstasy – backed by Booker T. & The M.G.’s and the Stax horns. “Otis Blue / Otis Redding Sings Soul” (1965) contains his version of “Respect”, before Aretha Franklin turned it into her hit.

“The Soul Album” and “The Otis Redding Dictionary Of Soul” followed in 1966, the latter with “Try A Little Tenderness”. After his death Atco released “The Immortal Otis Redding” (1968) and “Tell The Truth” (1970).

From our stock

First pressings

Records by Otis Redding

→ Volt · Stax · Atco Records · Soul

FAQ

Where did Otis Redding record? At Stax in Memphis; his records came out on the subsidiary Volt.

Is “Respect” an Otis Redding song? Yes – he wrote and sang it first; Aretha Franklin made it world-famous with her 1967 version.

When did Otis Redding die? In December 1967, aged 26, in a plane crash.

Which records do you have? Mostly editions from the sixties – 7 records in all.