The Very Best of Otis Redding, Vol. 1

Performer: Otis Redding
Producer: Gary Stewart (Compilation)
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Includes liner notes by Kevin Phinney. Digitally remastered by Bill Inglot & Dan Hersch. Personnel: Otis Redding (vocals); Carla Thomas (vocals). Liner Note Author: Kevin Phinney. It is impossible to overrate Otis Redding. This Rhino compilation, while in no way comprehensive, is nonetheless an outstanding sampler of songs by one of soul music's all-time titans. There's not a dud among these 16 songs, and some, like "These Arms Of Mine," "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay," and "Try A Little Tenderness," rank among the greatest pop songs ever recorded. Redding's performances are mesmerizing and seem to embody the perfect balance between acute sensitivity and sheer overwhelming emotional strength. The combination of Redding's magnetism and the quality of such songs as "Mr. Pitiful," "I Can't Turn You Loose," and "Respect" is almost too good to be true. The album's only shortcoming is that there aren't more tracks to savor. A perfect introduction to this phenomenal singer.

One of the great 1960s soul men, Otis Redding combined the rhythmic grit of James Brown with the sweet gospel croon of Sam Cooke. The Georgia-born singer/songwriter had his first flush of success in '63 with "These Arms of Mine," and the hits kept flowing. Redding's punchy, horn-driven, emotive style helped define the classic Stax soul sound. His performance at the legendary Monterey Pop Festival in '67 demonstrated his ability to appeal to a larger pop/rock audience, and he had indeed become a major star by that point. Sadly, Redding was killed in a plane accident later that year at the age of 26. Despite a career cut short by his tragic death, he has had a lasting influence on generations of singers in numerous genres.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25