Otis Redding is regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of American popular music and a seminal artist in soul music.
He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to music.
Redding received a Grammy Award for his outstanding musical achievements, further cementing his legacy in the industry.
Biography
Early Life
Otis Ray Redding Jr. was born on September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, as the fourth of six children in a family that faced financial hardships. His father, Otis Redding Sr., worked as a sharecropper and later at Robins Air Force Base, while also preaching in local churches. The family moved to Tindall Heights, a predominantly African-American public housing project in Macon when Redding was three. He began singing in the Vineville Baptist Church choir at an early age and learned to play guitar and piano. By age 10, he was taking drum and singing lessons, and he earned money performing gospel songs on a local radio station. Influenced by artists like Little Richard and Sam Cooke, Redding's passion for music grew, leading him to leave school at 15 to support his family financially.
Career
Redding's musical journey began as a member of Pat T. Cake and the Mighty Panthers, where he toured the Chitlin' Circuit, a network of venues for African-American entertainers. His big break came when he recorded "These Arms of Mine" at Stax Records, which showcased his powerful vocal style and emotional depth. Over his career, Redding released several acclaimed albums, including "Otis Blue / Otis Redding Sings Soul" and "The Dock of the Bay," which solidified his status as a leading figure in soul music. His unique blend of gospel and rhythm and blues influenced countless artists and helped shape the sound of the genre.
Personal Life
Redding married Zelma Atwood in 1961, and together they had three children: Dexter, Karla, and Otis III. He was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting Black youth, and was planning to build a summer camp for disadvantaged children at the time of his untimely death in 1967. Redding's wealth allowed him to enjoy a lavish lifestyle, owning numerous suits and shoes, and earning substantial income from his music.
Legacy
Otis Redding is often referred to as the "King of Soul," a title that reflects his profound impact on the music industry. His emotive singing style and electrifying performances left a lasting impression on soul and rock music. Redding's contributions earned him numerous accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His music continues to resonate, influencing generations of artists and solidifying his place as one of the greatest singers in American popular music history.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
16 Original Hits1991
- 1.Mr. Pitiful2:40
- 2.Respect2:08
- 3.Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)2:40
- 4.Tramp3:02
- 5.(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay2:43
- 6.The Happy Song2:41
- 7.Lovey Dovey2:35
- 8.Shake2:40
- 9.Satisfaction2:45
- 10.Papa's Got a Brand New Bag2:31
- 11.Pain in My Heart2:23
- 12.I've Got Dreams to Remember3:15
- 13.That's How Strong My Love Is2:28
- 14.I've Been Loving You Too Long3:14
- 15.My Girl2:55
- 16.Amen3:03
The Otis Redding Story1989
- 1.These Arms of Mine2:34
- 2.That's What My Heart Needs2:41
- 3.Mary's Little Lamb2:39
- 4.Pain in My Heart2:23
- 5.Something Is Worrying Me2:27
- 6.Security2:31
- 7.Come to Me2:48
- 8.Your One and Only Man3:11
- 9.Chained & Bound2:38
- 10.That's How Strong My Love Is2:29
- 11.Mr. Pitiful2:41
- 12.Keep Your Arms Around Me2:49
- 13.For Your Precious Love2:54
- 14.Woman, a Lover, a Friend3:21
- 15.Home in Your Heart2:06
- 16.I've Been Loving You Too Long3:15
- 17.A Change Is Gonna Come4:22
- 18.Shake2:43
- 19.Rock Me Baby3:30
- 20.Respect2:06
- 21.You Don't Miss Your Water2:51
- 22.Satisfaction2:46
- 23.Ole Man Trouble2:40
- 24.Down in the Valley3:00
- 25.I Can't Turn You Loose2:38
- 26.Just One More Day3:00
- 27.Papa's Got a Brand New Bag2:32
- 28.Good to Me3:55
- 29.Cigarettes and Coffee4:01
- 30.Chain Gang3:04
- 31.My Lover's Prayer3:09
- 32.It's Growing2:43
- 33.Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)2:42
- 34.I'm Sick Y'All2:53
- 35.Sweet Lorene2:34
- 36.Try a Little Tenderness3:50
- 37.Day Tripper2:49
- 38.Ton of Joy2:46
- 39.Hawg for You3:27
- 40.Tramp3:00
- 41.Knock on Wood2:54
- 42.Lovey Dovey2:34
- 43.New Year's Resolution3:23
- 44.Ooh Carla, Ooh Otis2:33
- 45.Stay in School (radio spot)1:14
- 46.You Left the Water Running2:23
- 47.The Happy Song (Dum-Dum-De-De-De-Dum-Dum)2:40
- 48.Hard to Handle2:20
- 49.Amen3:05
- 50.I've Got Dreams to Remember3:15
- 51.Champagne and Wine2:59
- 52.Direct Me2:18
- 53.Merry Christmas Baby2:32
- 54.White Christmas3:09
- 55.Love Man2:19
- 56.Free Me3:07
- 57.Look at That Girl2:38
- 58.The Match Game2:53
- 59.Tell the Truth3:10
- 60.(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay2:41
Greatest Hits1989
- 1.I've Been Loving You Too Long3:17
- 2.Respect2:08
- 3.Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)2:44
- 4.(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay2:43
- 5.Try a Little Tenderness3:52
- 6.Satisfaction2:48
- 7.These Arms of Mine2:32
- 8.Pain in My Heart2:23
- 9.Tramp2:59
- 10.Mr. Pitiful2:41
- 11.My Girl2:55
- 12.That's How Strong My Love Is2:27
- 13.My Lover's Prayer3:07
- 14.Security2:34
- 15.Shake2:41
- 16.Hard to Handle2:17
The Definitive Collection: The Dock of the Bay1987
- 1.Respect2:10
- 2.Mr. Pitiful2:40
- 3.Love Man2:20
- 4.(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction2:48
- 5.Security2:35
- 6.I Can't Turn You Loose2:40
- 7.Shake2:41
- 8.Hard to Handle2:21
- 9.Tramp2:58
- 10.Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)2:43
- 11.My Lover's Prayer3:09
- 12.These Arms of Mine2:34
- 13.That's How Strong My Love Is2:29
- 14.Cigarettes and Coffee4:02
- 15.My Girl2:57
- 16.A Change Is Gonna Come4:20
- 17.I've Been Loving You Too Long3:16
- 18.Try a Little Tenderness3:51
- 19.Pain in My Heart2:25
- 20.(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay2:41
The Ultimate Otis Redding1986
- 1.Respect2:09
- 2.(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay2:45
- 3.These Arms of Mine2:33
- 4.Pain in My Heart2:24
- 5.Come to Me2:48
- 6.Security2:36
- 7.That’s How Strong My Love Is2:29
- 8.Mr. Pitiful2:42
- 9.I’ve Been Loving You Too Long3:16
- 10.Satisfaction2:49
- 11.Fa‐Fa‐Fa‐Fa (Sad Song)2:43
- 12.Try a Little Tenderness3:52
- 13.Chained and Bound2:41
- 14.Shake2:41
- 15.Ole Man Trouble2:38
- 16.Let Me Come On Home2:55
- 17.Open the Door2:27
- 18.That’s What My Heart Needs2:42
- 19.Tramp3:01
- 20.I Can’t Turn You Loose2:40
The Best of Otis Redding1984
- 1.Mr. Pitiful2:36
- 2.My Girl2:50
- 3.Respect2:07
- 4.I've Been Loving You Too Long3:14
- 5.Love Man2:15
- 6.Cigarettes and Coffee3:58
- 7.(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction2:43
- 8.Try a Little Tenderness3:48
- 9.I Can't Turn You Loose2:35
- 10.Hard to Handle2:14
- 11.Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)4:39
- 12.(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay2:36
The Dock Of The Bay1984
Tracklist not collected yet.
The History of Rock, Volume Eight1982
- 1.Pain in My Heart
- 2.Down in the Valley
- 3.My Lover’s Prayer
- 4.I Can’t Turn You Loose
- 5.Fa‐Fa‐Fa‐Fa‐Fa
- 6.Try a Little Tenderness
- 7.Shake
- 8.My Girl
- 9.Tramp
- 10.Dock of the Bay
- 11.Respect
- 12.Baby I Love You
- 13.Chain of Fools
- 14.Dr Feelgood
- 15.Good to Me as I Am to You
- 16.I Say a Little Prayer
- 17.Spanish Harlem
- 18.Don’t Play That Song
- 19.Spirit in the Dark
- 20.Until You Come Back to Me
- 21.Rockhouse
- 22.Drown in My Own Tears
- 23.Lonely Avenue
- 24.I Got a Woman
- 25.Hallelujah I Love Her So
- 26.This Little Girl of Mine
- 27.What’d I Say
- 28.In the Midnight Hour
- 29.Don’t Fight It
- 30.634-5789
- 31.Land of a Thousand Dances
- 32.Mustang Sally
- 33.Ninety‐Nine and a Half
- 34.Funky Broadway
- 35.Engine Number 9
- 36.Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You
- 37.Don’t Knock My Love
The Best of Otis Redding1980
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Best of Otis Redding1972
- 1.Shake2:39
- 2.Ole Man Trouble2:35
- 3.Good to Me3:44
- 4.I Can't Turn You Loose2:36
- 5.I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)3:12
- 6.Tell the Truth3:05
- 7.(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction2:45
- 8.Cigarettes and Coffee3:58
- 9.Down in the Valley2:57
- 10.These Arms of Mine2:32
- 11.Tramp3:01
- 12.Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)3:39
- 13.Try a Little Tenderness3:48
- 14.Rock Me Baby3:28
- 15.That's How Strong My Love Is2:27
- 16.My Girl2:54
- 17.Love Man2:17
- 18.A Change Is Gonna Come4:22
- 19.Just One More Day5:11
- 20.Respect2:07
- 21.Pain in My Heart3:07
- 22.My Lover's Prayer2:05
- 23.Chain Gang2:57
- 24.You Don't Miss Your Water2:50
- 25.(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay2:43
Otis Redding1972
- 1.I've Been Loving You Too Long2:49
- 2.These Arms of Mine2:30
- 3.Pain in My Heart2:22
- 4.Respect2:06
- 5.Mr. Pitiful2:26
- 6.Rock Me Baby3:00
- 7.Satisfaction2:43
- 8.Security2:30
- 9.Louie, Louie2:05
- 10.My Girl2:52
- 11.My Lover's Prayer3:00
- 12.You're Still My Baby3:45
- 13.Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)2:37
- 14.I'm Coming Home3:03
- 15.I'm Sick Y'All2:52
- 16.Ole Man Trouble2:36
- 17.I Love You More Than Words Can Say2:50
- 18.Glory of Love2:38
- 19.I Can't Turn You Loose2:38
- 20.Day Tripper3:00
- 21.Shake2:35
- 22.I Can't Turn You Loose2:35
- 23.Tramp3:00
- 24.Hawg for You3:25
- 25.Try a Little Tenderness3:20
- 26.Sweet Lorene2:28
- 27.Something is Worrying Me2:29
- 28.You Send Me3:16
- 29.That's What My Heart Needs2:42
- 30.It's Growing2:50
- 31.Everybody Makes a Mistake3:23
- 32.Lucille2:30
- 33.It's Too Late3:04
- 34.Hey Hey Baby2:40
- 35.Down in the Valley3:00
- 36.Tennessee Waltz2:53
- 37.Your One and Only Man3:13
Remembering1970
Tracklist not collected yet.
Tell the Truth1970
- 1.Demonstration2:25
- 2.Tell the Truth3:11
- 3.Out of Sight2:18
- 4.Give Away None of My Love2:54
- 5.Wholesale Love2:29
- 6.I Got the Will2:51
- 7.Johnny's Heartbreak2:29
- 8.Snatch a Little Piece2:13
- 9.Slippin' and Slidin'1:57
- 10.The Match Game2:55
- 11.A Little Time2:33
- 12.Swingin' on a String2:52
Love Man1969
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Immortal Otis Redding1968
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Dock of the Bay1968
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Otis Redding Story1968
Tracklist not collected yet.
King & Queen1967
Tracklist not collected yet.
History of Otis Redding1967
Tracklist not collected yet.
Here Comes Some Soul From Otis Redding and Little Joe Curtis1967
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Soul Album1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
Otis Blue / Otis Redding Sings Soul1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
Pain in My Heart1964
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Stax Records
- Record label
- Atco Records
- Record label
- Atlantic Records
Achievements
- Award
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Award
- Grammy Awards
- Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Award
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Groups
- The Soul Clancurrent
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Otis Ray Redding, Jr., Otis Reading, Ottis Redding, Redding
Otis Ray Redding Jr. was an American singer and songwriter. He is regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of American popular music and a seminal artist in soul music and rhythm and blues. Nicknamed the "King of Soul", Redding's style of singing drew inspiration from the gospel music that preceded the genre. His vocal style influenced many other soul artists of the 1960s.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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