African American Music Appreciation Month: Otis Redding

A glance at the calendar reveals that today is, alas, the final entry in our ongoing series of tributes for African American Music Appreciation Month, but to conclude the series, we’re putting our focus on one of the true R&B legends to emerge from Atlantic Records during the ‘60s: the one and only Otis Redding. Although it’s hard to think about Redding’s musical accomplishments without an awareness of how much more he might’ve accomplished if he hadn’t died in a plane crash at a tragically young age, the songs that he did give us are so legendary that they’ve continued to provide solace for 50 years.

Check out these six live performances, including a few from his unforgettable set at the Monterey Pop Festival, and then take a spin through Rhino’s official Otis Redding playlist. Oh, and never forget that, whether it’s June or not, any month can be African American Music Appreciation Month as long as you play your cards – and your songs – right.

1.    “Respect”

2.    “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”

3.    “Mr. Pitiful”

4.    “Satisfaction”

5.    “My Lover’s Prayer”

6.    “Try a Little Tenderness”