Otis Redding

Listen/Download Otis Redding – Good To Me

Greetings all

Seventy-three years ago today, the greatest soul singer that ever was, Otis Redding, was born in Dawson, Georgia.

I have previously recounted in this space the story of how Otis was my gateway into the world of soul almost 40 years ago, and have reiterated many times that I hold no singer (soul or otherwise) in higher esteem.

Though his career only lasted for six years, it spanned most of the classic soul era, and influenced countless performers.

Redding was possessed of a mighty voice, a dynamic stage presence and was also a gifted songwriter.

I came to today’s selection the long way ‘round, as it were.

The first version I picked up was by Irma Thomas* (recorded in Muscle Shoals in 1968), and it was a while before I realized that it had been co-written (with Julius Green of the Mad Lads) and originally recorded by Otis in 1966.

The arrangement on Redding’s original is fairly spare, fitting since the structure of the songs is deceptively simple. The verse builds slowly, shifting ever so much when he states:

I’m going to keep loving you woman
For 20 more years
After that I’m going for 40
‘Cause I’ve got my will to try

The song has an almost gospel feel to it, a song of praise, not to God, but rather to a woman.

It moves at an almost glacial pace, but that’s the kind of environment where Otis redding thrived.

Unlike so many that came after him, he was able to fill what would seem like an insurmountably empty space, not with theatrics, but with concise, perfectly delivered emotion.

That’s why he was the man.

Happy Birthday Otis.

Keep the faith

Larry

 

 

* There’s also a very nice instrumental version by Odell Brown 

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Also, the brand new Funky16Corners ‘Keep Calm and Stay Funky’ stickers have arrived! The stickers are 4″ x 3″ and printed on high quality, glossy stock. They are $2.00 each, with free shipping in the US ($2.00 per order shipping outside of the US). Click here to go to the ordering page.

Also, make sure that you check out the links below to the Be The Match Foundation and POAC (click on the logos for more info).

 

PS Head over to Iron Leg too.

2 Responses to “Happy Birthday Otis Redding”

1. Randy says:

   September 9, 2014 at 8:03 pm

   Mavis Staple has a nice version of Good To Me on her self titled album from 1969.

   Imagine what Otis would have accomplished had he not passed away.

2. Larry says:

   September 9, 2014 at 8:25 pm

   I didn’t know about the Mavis Staples version. I’ll have to look that up.
   I think you’re right, that Otis still had enormous potential when he died.