Words cannot describe the influence that Otis Redding has had on music worldwide.
A true icon, his emotion-filled voice and his ability to write an unforgettable song will never be overlooked.
This Georgia-born icon can never be replaced and over 40 years after his death at 26-years-old, his legacy and life continues to be celebrated.
Otis Redding continues to win awards and honors even after he has passed.
Just yesterday, hip-hop greats, Jay-Z and Kanye West paid homage to him by releasing a new song entitled “Otis” that used a sample from Otis Redding’s famous song “Try A Little Tenderness.”
NEW MUSIC: JAY-Z AND KANYE WEST DELIVER “OTIS”
With the release of the duo’s hot new song, we decided to continue the celebration of Otis Redding’s influence with 10 things you definitely need to know about the late, great rockstar who is addressed as the embodiment of soul all over the world.
Go to the next page for more Otis.
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Otis Redding is recognized as one of the most important cultural icons to exist during the Civil Rights Movement.
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Otis Redding wrote famed song “Respect” for Aretha Franklin.
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The largest audience Otis Redding ever played for had 30,000 people in it. It was at the Monterey Pop Festival and he performed along the great Jimi Hendrix, Simon & Garfunkel, The Who, Jefferson Airplane and The Byrds.
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Otis Redding’s career was abruptly interrrupted when he died in a plane crash at the young age of 26.
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In Gateway Park, Macon, Georgia this bronze statue stands as a memorial to the great musician.
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Otis Redding is pictured with Bob Klein. At a time where it was not politically correct, Redding was very much culturally integrated and used his music to promote integration. He also had a white manager, Phil Walden.
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Otis Redding was not only a musician, he was a businessman. He had a successful publishing firm, Redwal Music Co., as well as a record label Jotis Records.
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Otis Redding was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
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Otis Redding’s most beloved hits are “Try A Little Tenderness,” “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” “Mr. Pitiful,” “Tramp,” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long.”
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Otis Redding was a family man. He adored his Wife Zelma, 2 sons (Otis III and Dexter), and daughter, Karla.
