By Tom Glunz
Guest Columnist
Those who are my close friends know that Otis Redding is my favorite musical artist of all time. I like 60's rock like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Van Morrison, Moody Blues, Simon and Garfunkel, Led Zeppelin, and of course the Beatles. And I also like some somewhat more modern bands like the Counting Crows, Ben Folds Five, Springsteen, etc. But, when I need to relax or reflect, I put on some Otis- it is just that simple.
Today marks the 50 year anniversary of Otis Redding's sudden death. He died in a plane crash in Lake Monona just outside of Madison, Wisconsin on December 10th, 1967 (a few years before I was born) at the young age of 26. On this day every year, even though he was great, I wonder what he could have been if he didn't die so young. He started writing music at the age of 22. And he quickly became one of the top Rhythm & Blues/Soul artist. In the summer of 1967, Otis seized the opportunity in front of a large crowd at Monterey Pop Festival, and the video below is one of those songs he performed while he was there. Just a few days before he died, Otis wrote "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" and it was mixed and released after his death -- so when you hear the waves and seagulls in that song, it was added after his death. Otis came up with the idea for the song, put the arrangements together, and recorded it in a couple takes all in less than one day. He was excited that he created a song that would cross the R&B line and appeal to white (pop/rock) audiences. Although I like that song, his true talent was in my opinion was writing and singing soul. His 5 albums that were released before his death (excluding concert albums) and 4 albums released after his death (from other recordings that were not intended to be released) are amazing! If you have a chance, listen to some album cuts- they are easy to find on YouTube. His music lives on! #OtisRedding
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