The famous American singer and composer Otis Ray Redding Jr. was born on September 9, 1941, and passed away on December 10, 1967. He is a brilliant vocalist in the annals of American popular music and a pioneer of rhythm and blues and soul.
The gospel music that came before the genre served as Redding’s musical inspiration, earning him the moniker “King of Soul.” Many other 1960s soul performers were impacted by his singing style.
What was Otis Redding’s childhood like?
Redding was born in Dawson, Georgia, and at age two, moved to Macon. Redding quit school at age 15 to support his family, working with Little Richard’s backing band, the Upsetters, and performing in talent shows at the historic Douglass Theatre in Macon.
Redding became a member of Johnny Jenkins’ band, the Pinetoppers, in 1958, and traveled the Southern states as both a vocalist and a driver with them. A contract and his first hit song, “These Arms of Mine,” were the results of an unannounced entrance during a Stax recording session in 1962.
Source: Ghanafuo.com
