Tribute to Otis Redding

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Today is the day Otis Redding died. It was 1967. He was just 26. 

He died unexpectedly in a plane crash. 

Unexpectedly is the worst way because it gives you no time to prepare, no time to brace, no time to say goodbye. 

He was born in Georgia. The son of sharecroppers who left school at age 15 so he could work odd jobs (including as a singer) to help his family finacially.

He sang in church through his childhood and got his big break at age 17 when a disc jockey noticed him at a talent contest at a local theatre. Otis entered and won the contest 15 consecutive weeks. 

Even if you don't think you know Otis Redding, you do.  You've heard his songs. We all have.

He wrote These Arms of Mine. I've Been Loving You Too Long. Respect (Sang by Aretha Franklin). and Sittin' On The Dock of The Bay. 

You know him. 

Otis is listed as number 8 on the list of Greatest Singers of All Time, according to Rolling Stone Magazine. 

So, take a few minutes away from whatever haunts you today to pay tribute and listen an Otis Redding song. Or two. 

His music signifies more of what we need in the world.  

 

Sources:

https://otisredding.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otis_Redding

https://www.onthisday.com/people/otis-redding

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Songs_written_by_Otis_Redding