Otis Ray Redding, Jr. was perhaps the greatest soul singer of the '60s. An American singer, songwriter, record producer, arranger, and talent scout, Redding’s best-known compositions include "R.E.S.P.E.C.T.", "Try a Little Tenderness", and "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay". As a child, Redding learned to play the piano, guitar and drums. The idea that music could be a universal force, bringing together different races and cultures, was central to Redding’s personal philosophy and reflected in his everyday life. Redding's magnetic stage presence and sincere performances made him star. His emotional style and powerful singing became synonymous with soul music. Sadly, Redding’s career was cut short just as it was beginning to take off as he died in a plane crash aged only 26. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 (as a performer) and into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994.
Otis Ray Redding, Jr. was perhaps the greatest soul singer of the '60s. An American singer, songwriter, record producer, arranger, and talent scout, Redding’s best-known compositions include "R.E.S.P.E.C.T.", "Try a Little Tenderness", and "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay". As a child, Redding learned to play the piano, guitar and drums. The idea that music could be a universal force, bringing together different races and cultures, was central to Redding’s personal philosophy and reflected in his everyday life. Redding's magnetic stage presence and sincere performances made him star. His emotional style and powerful singing became synonymous with soul music. Sadly, Redding’s career was cut short just as it was beginning to take off as he died in a plane crash aged only 26. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 (as a performer) and into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994.
