Otis Redding was an American soul singer, songwriter, record producer, and arranger. He is considered one of the greatest singers in the history of popular music, and his voice was one of the most distinctive and recognizable of his era.

Redding was born in Macon, Georgia, on September 9, 1941. He began singing in his church choir at a young age, and he was heavily influenced by the gospel music he heard there. He also listened to a lot of R&B and blues music, and he was particularly inspired by the music of Little Richard.

Redding began his professional career as a singer in the early 1960s. He released his first single, “Shout Bamalama,” in 1960, but it was not a commercial success. However, he continued to work hard and develop his talent, and he eventually signed with Stax Records in 1962.

Redding’s first album for Stax, “Pain in My Heart,” was released in 1964. It was a critical and commercial success, and it established him as one of the leading soul singers of the day. He went on to release a string of successful albums and singles, including “Respect,” “Try a Little Tenderness,” and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”

Redding’s music was characterized by his passionate vocals and his ability to connect with his audience on an emotional level. He was also a gifted songwriter, and he wrote many of his own songs.

Redding was tragically killed in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, at the age of 26. His death was a great loss to the music world, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today.

Here are some of Otis Redding’s most popular songs:

• “Respect”
• “Try a Little Tenderness”
• “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
• “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)”
• “These Arms of Mine”