The Best: See & Hear (Shout Factory, 2009)
Shout Factory has released a two-disc set by Otis Redding, one of the influential legends of American soul music. The Best: See & Hear includes a CD of his greatest hits for the Stax and Volt labels. The most familiar song is the now classic "(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay." Other hits include "I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)," "Respect," "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction," "Try A Little Tenderness," and seven others.
In Otis Redding’s music one can hear the evolution of African American music. Redding’s passionate singing style shows how Gospel vocals became a secular form used in soul, rhythm and blues and rock music. His song arrangement include a wide variety of colors, ranging from church-style organ to the lively brass arrangements used in the 1960s.
As a highly influential artist in American popular music, Otis Redding is featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Redding wrote songs which later became hits for fellow soul artists, including “Respect,” later performed by Aretha Franklin, and the rock classic “Satisfaction,” later performed by The Rolling Stones. Three of Otis Redding’s recordings, “Shake,” “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” and “Try a Little Tenderness,” were listed on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of “The 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.”
The double set also contains a 12-track DVD, directed by D.A. Pennebaker (Don’t Look Back, Monterey Pop), featuring 9 classic Otis Redding performances from 1967, as well as performances by Booker T. & The MG’s and Sam & Dave.
Redding died in a plane crash in 1967. He was only 26.
Buy Otis Redding’s collection:
- In North America: The Best: See & Hear
- In Europe: The Best: See & Hear
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
