Regarded as one of the most important soul artists of his day, Otis Redding defined the sound of Memphis’ Stax Records with his blend of crooner-era sentimentality and mesmerizing soulful exuberance. Although he died in a plane crash at age twenty-six, he left an indelible mark on the music world, receiving two Grammy Awards, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Otis Redding - For an introduction to his life and career, start with this extensive Wikipedia article. For more, an NPR interview with his biographer can be found here, exploring the continuing resonance of Otis Redding's life and work decades after his death. For two additional looks at his impact on the musical world, compare the Rolling Stone tribute written soon after his death with this retrospective look at his impact in The New Yorker.
Shout Bamalama (Otis Redding, Johnny Jenkins, and the Pinetoppers - This is one of the very first Otis Redding recordings. Starting his professional singing career in 1958, at age seventeen, he toured briefly with the “Pat Tea Cake” band, then formed his own band, “The Pinetoppers," with guitarist Johnny Jenkins.
Remembering Otis Redding - A beautiful tribute to Redding, with some interesting backstory, by one of his closest friends and collaborators. "Before Otis I had never loved a man outside of my immediate family and relatives. He was the first. On that tragic night, December 10, 1967 I lost not only my best friend and neighbor but a big piece of my heart as well."
Live Performance: Monterey Pop Festival (1967) - Here's Redding at the top of his game, performing at a world-class venue, backed by Booker T and the MGs. This video includes: Shake, Respect, I've Been Loving You Too Long, (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, Try a Little Tenderness. A decisive turning point in his career, this was his breakout moment into a widely multiracial audience. The performance was so powerful that Bob Weir, of the Grateful Dead, said, “I was pretty sure I’d seen God onstage.”
Full Live Performance at the Olympia Theater (Paris) - Live video from his 1966 European tour.
Live Performance: Ready Steady Go (1966) - This 23-minute live video is from his appearance on the popular British rock/pop music show Ready Steady Go during his 1966 European tour.