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Otis Redding. Una vida inacabada
La esperada y definitiva biografía del rey del soul. Otis Redding sigue siendo una figura fundamental de la música estadounidense gracias a grandes clásicos como «(Sittin’ on) The dock of the bay», «I’ve been loving you too long», «Try a little tenderness» y «Respect», una canción que él compuso y grabó antes de que Aretha Franklin la hiciera suya. Como artífce del distintivo estilo sureño de rhythm and blues con tintes góspel asociado al sello de Memphis Stax Records, Redding creó una música que se convirtió en el referente principal del soul de la década de los sesenta del siglo pasado. A pesar de ello, su vida, abruptamente interrumpida en diciembre de 1967 por un trágico accidente aéreo en pleno apogeo de su carrera, siempre ha estado rodeada de un aura quimérica y misteriosa. En este recorrido por la vida y la música de Otis Redding, Gould nos ofrece también una descripción social de la época y la tierra natal del artista. Su libro nos recuerda que los muros que separaban la música popular negra de la blanca comenzaron a desmoronarse precisamente durante unos años en los que las tensiones raciales en Norteamérica alcanzaron niveles críticos. Esta inolvidable crónica sobre Redding y sobre el soul y su masiva aceptación en los sesenta es tanto una mirada reveladora sobre un artista brillante como un estimulante viaje por la enmarañada historia racial y musical de Estados Unidos, cuyo eco resuena con fuerza en la actualidad.
672 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2015
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May 31, 2017
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This book doesn't just encompass Otis Redding's story, but also scads of information about his time. It's a history of African American families and covers the racial tensions, struggles, and social challenges he and his family endured throughout their lives. The author also touches on other artists including Ray Charles, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and Johnny Jenkins.
Those who aren't sure who Otis Redding is might remember him by some of his most popular songs like: "(Sitting on) the Dock of the Bay", "Try a Little Tenderness", and "Respect" (sang by Aretha Franklin). He was a singer, songwriter, and producer. His story reminds us how powerful and influential music was during the civil rights movement.
___________
Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah
I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time
___________
He had an astounding career before his life was cut short similar to some other great singers of that time, including Sam Cooke. It's heartbreaking to think what his family experienced when he died.
This book is impressive, jam-packed with information, and includes many photos. I recommend it to Otis Redding fans, and anyone who wants to learn more about him.
5*****
This book doesn't just encompass Otis Redding's story, but also scads of information about his time. It's a history of African American families and covers the racial tensions, struggles, and social challenges he and his family endured throughout their lives. The author also touches on other artists including Ray Charles, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and Johnny Jenkins.
Those who aren't sure who Otis Redding is might remember him by some of his most popular songs like: "(Sitting on) the Dock of the Bay", "Try a Little Tenderness", and "Respect" (sang by Aretha Franklin). He was a singer, songwriter, and producer. His story reminds us how powerful and influential music was during the civil rights movement.
___________
Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah
I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time
___________
He had an astounding career before his life was cut short similar to some other great singers of that time, including Sam Cooke. It's heartbreaking to think what his family experienced when he died.
This book is impressive, jam-packed with information, and includes many photos. I recommend it to Otis Redding fans, and anyone who wants to learn more about him.
5*****
June 8, 2017
Goddamned glorious.
As much a portrait of the American south in the 20th century as a portrait of one indelible soul within it.
As much a portrait of the American south in the 20th century as a portrait of one indelible soul within it.
May 28, 2017
I have been in love with the talented Legend Otis Redding’s music since I was a little girl, and I know that if he had lived longer, he could have surpassed the phenomenal status that he had attained. Jonathan Gould chose the best title for this book because Otis definitely had more to bring to the table, and although many stories have been written about Otis Redding, none have actually provided a clear chronological pattern of his life as Gould has offered in this fine literary piece. From start to finish, Gould’s book paints a picture of Otis that is similar to viewing a bio-pic on television and this is awesome for many readers who knew of him and for those who are just learning about him. This was truly a fantastic read, hands down.
Vonnie (aka Sheila S. Rowell)
AAMBC Reviewer
Vonnie (aka Sheila S. Rowell)
AAMBC Reviewer
June 2, 2017
I happened upon this book while picking up a hold from the library and always had an interest in Otis Redding, so I grabbed it. I was very disappointed in this book and only got through about a third of it. I just couldn't read anymore. The story was all over the place and too much information that really had nothing to do with Otis Redding, which made it feel like constant interruptions of the bio itself, very distracting. Because of these constant deviations, it wasn't cohesive and made it difficult to form a whole picture of Otis' life. It read for me like a historically collection of multiple artist instead of being a biography on Otis Redding (Ray Charles, Little Richard, etc.). Most every other artist mentioned was followed with a mini-bio. I think this author would be an amazing historical writer. His research is extensive and detailed, but it doesn't work for this story. There are several bios on Otis Redding and I will have to try one of those.
August 11, 2017
I get the sense that there's not enough known about the details of Otis Redding's life to merit a book this substantial, but Gould overcomes this obstacle by contextualizing Redding's story into the changes taking place in American politics and culture, with mini-bios of relevant artists like Sam Cooke, Little Richard, Ray Charles, and more. Gould is especially sensitive to the role that race played in Redding's career, making this an extremely well-researched, informed, and insightful bio.
May 10, 2017
I bailed on this read. I wanted to read about Otis, but this book read like a college text book. No flow. Just how many big words can the author use is one sentence (and believe me...50 is too many!). I usually do not like to post bad reviews. I do not want to damage someone's hard work based on my opinion. However, this book needed some major adjustment to make a good biography.
June 13, 2017
This is an okay biography. Otis Redding died tragically at a young age and I guess the author only had so much personal and original material available for this book. More than half of the book discusses at some length the history of black people in America and the careers of other contemporary artists. I wanted to know more about Redding's family life, his wife and children.
July 29, 2024
i loved how much research went into this book not just about otis but about the music industry in the 60’s and the other artists of that time. incredible!
December 13, 2021
A bit of a mistitle, as this is only partly a biography of Otis Redding. It touches on many topics: slavery, minstrel shows, the civil rights movement, and a host of bands, performers, and music business people from the 60s. Redding himself is barely mentioned for the first big chunk of the book and, when Gould does get around to making him the central focus, Redding's personal life is barely touched on and instead the focus is put mainly on the music and live shows. After finishing this book, I feel like I barely know Otis Redding as a person much more than I did before starting it.
As someone that absolutely loves old-school R&B music, though, this book is a real gem and I can't give it less than five stars even though the title is a bit misleading. I didn't come away with a better understanding of Redding, but my knowledge of the history of soul music was vastly improved and the book itself was fascinating.
If you are looking for an in-depth look at the personal life of Otis Redding, you might be disappointed with this. If you want an examination of the music scene of the 1960s, with an emphasis on R&B music and everything that influenced and shaped it, this is a phenomenal read.
As someone that absolutely loves old-school R&B music, though, this book is a real gem and I can't give it less than five stars even though the title is a bit misleading. I didn't come away with a better understanding of Redding, but my knowledge of the history of soul music was vastly improved and the book itself was fascinating.
If you are looking for an in-depth look at the personal life of Otis Redding, you might be disappointed with this. If you want an examination of the music scene of the 1960s, with an emphasis on R&B music and everything that influenced and shaped it, this is a phenomenal read.
March 8, 2018
I'm a bit torn on this. On the one hand it does do what the blurb says it does. The book discusses Otis Redding through the lens of the historical context of racism in the South and the cultural phenomenon of race music and its white audience. It positions Otis as a musician in conversation with other elements.
On the other hand about two thirds of this books is not about Otis. My problem is that this book is named Otis: An Unfinished Life but maybe 30% of the information is about him specifically/is related to him. As I'm pretty well informed on the issue of racism in the American South during the early 1900s, I didn't learn much in that regard, which is sad because that's a large portion of the book.
Overall, I appreciate how well researched the book is. I simply wish the book were not marketed as being a biography of Otis Redding. A better discription of this book is a general history, accounting race music and its musicians from 1900-1960s. In other words, I did not find its framing of Otis Redding to be useful or compelling.
On the other hand about two thirds of this books is not about Otis. My problem is that this book is named Otis: An Unfinished Life but maybe 30% of the information is about him specifically/is related to him. As I'm pretty well informed on the issue of racism in the American South during the early 1900s, I didn't learn much in that regard, which is sad because that's a large portion of the book.
Overall, I appreciate how well researched the book is. I simply wish the book were not marketed as being a biography of Otis Redding. A better discription of this book is a general history, accounting race music and its musicians from 1900-1960s. In other words, I did not find its framing of Otis Redding to be useful or compelling.
October 14, 2017
A Wonderful Tribute to a Great Artist
Otis Redding’s tragically short life nevertheless yielded some of the greatest music since WWII. Try a Little Tenderness, Respect, and Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay alone constitute an unrivaled pantheon of tunes that will live forever. The story of how Otis became Otis Redding Beloved Superstar is well told. The main detraction is the author’s sometimes over enthusiastic to place the events of Otis’s life in detailed context. But still definitely worth a read.
Otis Redding’s tragically short life nevertheless yielded some of the greatest music since WWII. Try a Little Tenderness, Respect, and Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay alone constitute an unrivaled pantheon of tunes that will live forever. The story of how Otis became Otis Redding Beloved Superstar is well told. The main detraction is the author’s sometimes over enthusiastic to place the events of Otis’s life in detailed context. But still definitely worth a read.
October 4, 2017
This book could easily be called Otis Redding, Stax Records and the History of Modern Soul Music. It really is about more than just Otis. Yes, it details his life and untimely death. But you will also read about the history of Stax and Atlantic Records, the Civil Rights movement and the intersection of white capitalism with black Southern artists. So, if you're up for reading more than just about Otis, read this book. I was and totally enjoyed it.
December 1, 2017
This book is not just about Otis Redding, but also about his family’s life and the social injustice for over 200 years. Beginning with his birth and going back through grandmothers who worked as slaves you are given the feeling of hard work to make it. The author also takes you through the fifties and the record companies owned by African American, Imperial, Keen, King, to name a few. Being an avid record collector for years I knew this but I am sure others do not. Though a lot of this information is like reading a history book. Once you get to Otis Redding actually story the last part of the book. This is a really good story. The last 100 pages I thought were the best. Of course the author goes into everything after his death and the release of the song “Dock of the Bay “and then an album by the same title. This led for more albums to be released. You also get a look into the dealings of Sax records and some of the major players behind the scenes. Once again you see a musician being taken advantage of by executives. What the author brings out is how it was effected being in the South during the 60’s. All of this leads to a very good book with a lot of information. My one complaint is that too much information. Especially for someone who is just wanting to read about his life. Overall a good book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
June 15, 2017
I've got to give this book five stars, even thought it took me months to read it. While this is a biography of Otis Redding, in addition it's a history book and a sociology book. Jonathan Gould not only looks at the singer's life, but also looks at black music from the beginning; as well as race relations in the United States since slavery; the impact Jim Crow laws had on blacks; and the Civil Rights Movement. Add to that all the information on many singers and bands before and during Mr. Redding's career, and you have one exhaustive book. Not exactly what I was looking for when I got this biography, but one has to admire Mr. Gould's research and excellent writing skills.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)
February 28, 2018
Read in conjunction with Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion.
This biography is superior to Dreams to Remember: Otis Redding, Stax Records, and the Transformation of Southern Soul. Skip Dreams to Remembers and read Otis Redding: An Unfurnished Life.
This biography is superior to Dreams to Remember: Otis Redding, Stax Records, and the Transformation of Southern Soul. Skip Dreams to Remembers and read Otis Redding: An Unfurnished Life.
June 25, 2017
A masterful work that's not just a biography of Redding, but a look at African-American culture and music through the 19th and 20th centuries (up until his death in 1967). The book examines the music and forced that shaped his life and career, and goes in-depth to look at contemporaries as well. As a fan of Otis' music, I enjoyed learning more about him, but it's the background and the details about people and groups like Stax Records (and it's house bands, including Booker T & The MGs) that makes this a truly outstanding book.
September 4, 2017
When a friend informed me that a new book on Otis Redding was available, I was interested, though not prepared to place it at the top of my reading list. But when I learned it had been written by Jonathan Gould I immediately secured a copy. Gould's Can't Buy Me Love is one of the best of the countless Beatles books, and he's turned in another exceptional effort with Otis' story. Like the Beatles book, this one is extremely well-researched and provides superb and insightful historical context, musically and otherwise, to Otis Redding's sadly abbreviated life. Highly recommended.
March 19, 2017
As much a story of the times of Otis Redding as it is about his life. Broad and exhaustive, this is a tremendous presentation of a fascinating life.
ARC provided.
ARC provided.
March 26, 2021
A beautiful tale of black music in mid 20th century America
Otis Redding deserves more attention
Otis Redding deserves more attention
August 30, 2017
One of the very best in-depth biographies of a subject from the music business that I have read in a long time. Jonathan Gould delivers a superb portrait of this 'soul man' from Macon, Georgia and also provides an equally vivid backdrop of the socio-political world of the 1960's. Gould appraises Redding's musical output in a fair and balanced manner and exhibits a wide knowledge of the music and its history, comparable to John Collis' biography of Chuck Berry.
A certain five star read whatever your 'poptastic' taste.
A certain five star read whatever your 'poptastic' taste.
July 11, 2020
I love Otis Redding. He fills my soul on dull days, One of his songs was our first dance at our wedding, even my 3 year old can recognise his music when it's playing in the house...
So the reason for this one star rating is because this book has VERY LITTLE about Otis and more about every other Tom, Dick & Harry I absolutely do not care about. This is more about the evolution of America in the driest history lecture you have ever come across.
So the reason for this one star rating is because this book has VERY LITTLE about Otis and more about every other Tom, Dick & Harry I absolutely do not care about. This is more about the evolution of America in the driest history lecture you have ever come across.
December 10, 2020
Ever since first hearing Otis Redding when I was 15 or so, I knew that my musical life had changed completely. It hit me with a kind of genuine feeling that not many other singers can - it was certainly an apt name for the genre - soul. Otis led me into a world full of amazing artists and music, namely Sam Cooke who would be the only rival in my estimations of my favourite artist. I then got a tattoo of Otis when I was about 22 to commemorate my love for the genre, and for music in general.
However, past his Wikipedia, I realised I didnt really know him and his life the way that I thought I should, and the way I wanted to, given that he is one of, if not, my favourite artists ever. So I decided with a voucher to see if there was anything out there, and came immediately across this book by Jonathan Gould. It was extremely thorough, and one of the things I didnt expect about it was the vast amount of info it covered outside of Otis, to build up a cohesive feeling and knowledge about the genre, the other artists, the rise and fall of other 'characters', the political and racial climate of the day, and so forth. Sometimes it seemed to stray a bit too far from the path, and may have been a bit more effective of an Otis Redding biography if it had been a bit tighter, but this is a minor quandary.
It was a fascinating take, and one that seemed to put together the vast amount of info on Otis into one place - the good and the bad. I am so glad to be able to learn more about this fascinating person, and it has somehow elevated his music to a new level. Especially the live performances, where I now have the benefit of the backstory to each performance, and can hear the different takes depending on the band he used, the new arrrangements, the different styles.
Its a long read for a biography of a 26-year old singer, but it is a great and thorough explanation of both Otis's life, and the world around him at the time.
However, past his Wikipedia, I realised I didnt really know him and his life the way that I thought I should, and the way I wanted to, given that he is one of, if not, my favourite artists ever. So I decided with a voucher to see if there was anything out there, and came immediately across this book by Jonathan Gould. It was extremely thorough, and one of the things I didnt expect about it was the vast amount of info it covered outside of Otis, to build up a cohesive feeling and knowledge about the genre, the other artists, the rise and fall of other 'characters', the political and racial climate of the day, and so forth. Sometimes it seemed to stray a bit too far from the path, and may have been a bit more effective of an Otis Redding biography if it had been a bit tighter, but this is a minor quandary.
It was a fascinating take, and one that seemed to put together the vast amount of info on Otis into one place - the good and the bad. I am so glad to be able to learn more about this fascinating person, and it has somehow elevated his music to a new level. Especially the live performances, where I now have the benefit of the backstory to each performance, and can hear the different takes depending on the band he used, the new arrrangements, the different styles.
Its a long read for a biography of a 26-year old singer, but it is a great and thorough explanation of both Otis's life, and the world around him at the time.
August 20, 2018
I have thrown myself into the deep end by reading this extensive biography of Otis Redding. It is said it does him justice: it goes into a lot of details and sociological expounding about the life, ancestors, whereabouts, family, and successes of the great soul and R&B singer who died very young, at only 26, in a plane crash in Wisconsin, on very poor weather.
However, as my journey into musing is mostly underwhelming, not having the luxury of having a good ear or enough teaching on the topic, the book would be more appreciated by someone with more insight into Black American music that flourished during the Civil Rights movement. The four stars are given with that objectivity in mind. Songs to take away, are, of course, Respect, Security, "Show a little tenderness", and, the most majestic, "I've been loving you too long"
I did learn a lot myself about Georgia and the evolution of the (secular) soul music from gospel and jazz, about the relationship between black artists and their white producers and the interesting interactions between them during very tumultuous times of the politics regarding the African American people. I did also learn a lot about the genius of Ray Charles as both a musician and an arranger and the importance of Atlantic Records, Stax, and Motown in the burgeoning of these genres and their artists. As these are the sad days of the passing of Aretha Franklin, I can say that the book of Jonathan Gould devotes a lot of time to her too, starting with her cover of Respect and her change of sexual politics through changes of lyrics. What united Redding and Franklin was their love for Sam Cooke.
If only I had known, when I had stumbled, years ago, on Docks of the Bay, and fell in love at first sight, that this song was the last one to be recorded in the grand Otis's unfinished, yet awe-inspiring life...
However, as my journey into musing is mostly underwhelming, not having the luxury of having a good ear or enough teaching on the topic, the book would be more appreciated by someone with more insight into Black American music that flourished during the Civil Rights movement. The four stars are given with that objectivity in mind. Songs to take away, are, of course, Respect, Security, "Show a little tenderness", and, the most majestic, "I've been loving you too long"
I did learn a lot myself about Georgia and the evolution of the (secular) soul music from gospel and jazz, about the relationship between black artists and their white producers and the interesting interactions between them during very tumultuous times of the politics regarding the African American people. I did also learn a lot about the genius of Ray Charles as both a musician and an arranger and the importance of Atlantic Records, Stax, and Motown in the burgeoning of these genres and their artists. As these are the sad days of the passing of Aretha Franklin, I can say that the book of Jonathan Gould devotes a lot of time to her too, starting with her cover of Respect and her change of sexual politics through changes of lyrics. What united Redding and Franklin was their love for Sam Cooke.
If only I had known, when I had stumbled, years ago, on Docks of the Bay, and fell in love at first sight, that this song was the last one to be recorded in the grand Otis's unfinished, yet awe-inspiring life...
January 15, 2018
This book is a major disappointment if you want to learn about Otis Redding. If you want to read about the history of racism in The South, get the opinion of which of Otis’ songs are good and which are bad from the author, have the author put words in peoples mouth ( Ironically complaining later that William Ott was putting words in Otis’s mouth), and assign racial or racist intentions behind every person in Otis’ life ( the last straw for me was when the author decided that Steve Cropper needed to be called into question), if you want to hear unnecessary political statements ( “...the former B-Movie actor Ronald Reagan was campaigning for Governor on a crypto-racist law and order platform…” ) than this book is up your alley. There is a lot of opinion and speculation, specifically when it comes to race, by the author. There was so much unrelated history in the first 100 pages or so, that by the time it got to important moments (Monterey Pop, the plane crash, etc...) it was lacking, not in depth at all and sometimes just a few pages. I understand the need to discuss what race relations were like at the time, to paint the picture of what Otis was dealing with, but this reads like a textbook on racism in the South, and the political/music opinions of the author not a biography of Otis Redding. I was going to stop reading around the 200 page mark, because it grew tedious with very little about Otis, but I decided to keep reading the book, so I could post a fair review. In hindsight I wish I would have just put it down.
November 15, 2019
I have been wanting to read this book for some time. While traveling through the US I picked up a copy at the legendary Tattered Cover bookstore in Denver. Mr Gould took quite a bit of time to gain the trust of the extend Redding family gathering in depth knowledge of Otis's youth and family history in conversation with his family. This shows in the extent of fine detail in what it was like growing up in the rural south as a black family during the Jim Crow era. What evolves is a picture of a driven man wanting to succeed in the music business on his own terms. What emerges is a different more complex person than what was glimpsed in the extensive Stax history recently written by Robert Gordon. Otis Redding released some of the most enduring soul and R&B recordings in his short life - making his own covers of earlier pathfinders as well as composing his own great songs. His best "Dock of the Bay" sadly shows what could have been if he hadn't gone down in a plane crash in Madison WI. This book is for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the evolution of soul & R&B music during the late 50's and 60's.
March 7, 2018
While I loved the topic and wanted much more about Otis Reddings person and any information on his experience, many chapters were a catalog of endless names and song titles and albums. The best part of this book was that which focused on Otis Redding and setting the specific context for the racism in America as it manifested then. The first 2 chapters and last 2 were brilliant. Sections describing the rise of Aretha Franklin's voice was inspiring. The disturbing yet anticipated racism and paternalism of inexperienced white producers toward brilliant black artists was interesting and important to understand and read about. I wish that more than 25-30% of the book focused on these topics rather than list after list of songs. Disappointed overall but loved the more relevant parts that explored the industry attitudes and inequality as well as the brilliant work and person that was Otis Redding.
January 1, 2018
Jonathan Gould has an eye for detail, and it's obvious the care and meticulousness that went into writing this book. I loved the background portion of the book on the racial climate of the South from Reconstruction all the way up through the mid-20th century. You really cannot separate that information from Otis's story; it's essential to understand his place in music/history. As I'm a huge fan of Stax Records, in general, I kind of think Gould short-changed the label a bit, particularly Jim Stewart and Steve Cropper (and to some extent also Isaac Hayes), but other than that, I think this book has to be considered the definitive Otis Redding biography.
February 6, 2018
Quite an impressive biography of the legend that few know much about. The author notes that Otis gave few interviews and had not reached the peak of his fame during his brief lifetime. Gould does an impressive job of fleshing out Otis' story by detailing the social and cultural upheavals of the American south and how Redding seemed to transcend (but not really) race.
The reader also learns of the many musicians who influenced Otis and those he worked with to create some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. And although we know how the story ends, it is still chilling and heartbreaking to read of Otis' demise.
Got to Got to Got to read this book childrens!
The reader also learns of the many musicians who influenced Otis and those he worked with to create some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. And although we know how the story ends, it is still chilling and heartbreaking to read of Otis' demise.
Got to Got to Got to read this book childrens!
September 9, 2019
Well written and impeccably researched, but about 100 pages too long. This book devotes about 80 pages to Otis's grandparents, even more distant ancestors, and the history of sharecropping in rural Georgia; at least three full chapters to the career of Little Richard; and about four pages to the fatal plane crash that ultimately killed Otis, and the climax toward which this book was building. Even the "acknowledgements" section was longer. This needed a much stronger edit.
July 6, 2017
I won an uncorrected proof copy of this book from Goodreads.
This biography presents a comprehensive overview of Otis Redding's life and the musical and cultural setting in which he grew to fame in the 1960s before his tragic death in 1967. Otis was the fourth of six children born to his parents, who sought a better life by moving their family to Macon, Georgia to a federal housing project. Macon at the time was booming, and as a child Otis was quickly exposed to multiple sources of musical influences from gospel music, local bands, and radio. He dropped out of school at the age of fifteen to begin working but lacked much drive for anything other than music. Otis' girlfriend Zelma got pregnant when Otis was eighteen and he eventually married her and the couple had three children together.
Otis seemingly pursued every opportunity to launch his musical career, including recording when given the opportunity, performing at local music clubs, and playing gigs for college fraternities. During his lifetime, he enjoyed significant fame and earned "well over $100,000 a year," which was a significant income in the 1960s. Although rarely home with his wife and family, he was able to support them in comfortable style and was loyal to his hometown of Macon until his untimely death at the age of 26 when the plane he had purchased to take on tour crashed into a lake near Madison, Wisconsin.
This book gave life and meaning to the man behind the famous songs and reinforced the tragedy of his early death. Gould describes Otis as only beginning his musical accomplishments at the time of his death. In fact, he recorded what was to be his biggest hit, (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay, shortly before his death and therefore was unable to see what an instant hit the song was. Gould asserts that Otis was dismissive of the power of lyrics until shortly before his death; who knows what classic songs we may have had if only he hadn't died in the crash.
I was disappointed that this is more of an analysis of Redding's music within the context of the music of the time rather than an intimate portrait of Otis himself. Gould spends significant time providing historical context and background on race relations at the time. A considerable portion of the book is also devoted to describing Redding's contemporaries including Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown. This, combined with the relatively scant amount of personal details of Otis' life, made the biography feel like a history of soul music during the 60s through the lens of Otis Redding, rather than a biography. For example, despite the fact that Gould interviewed Otis' widow, few insight from her personal relationship with the singer are included and little to nothing is included about their children, which seemed like an oversight in a biography. Although I'm sure the author worked with what material was available to him, I had hoped for a more intimate portrait of the man behind the music than was presented.
This biography presents a comprehensive overview of Otis Redding's life and the musical and cultural setting in which he grew to fame in the 1960s before his tragic death in 1967. Otis was the fourth of six children born to his parents, who sought a better life by moving their family to Macon, Georgia to a federal housing project. Macon at the time was booming, and as a child Otis was quickly exposed to multiple sources of musical influences from gospel music, local bands, and radio. He dropped out of school at the age of fifteen to begin working but lacked much drive for anything other than music. Otis' girlfriend Zelma got pregnant when Otis was eighteen and he eventually married her and the couple had three children together.
Otis seemingly pursued every opportunity to launch his musical career, including recording when given the opportunity, performing at local music clubs, and playing gigs for college fraternities. During his lifetime, he enjoyed significant fame and earned "well over $100,000 a year," which was a significant income in the 1960s. Although rarely home with his wife and family, he was able to support them in comfortable style and was loyal to his hometown of Macon until his untimely death at the age of 26 when the plane he had purchased to take on tour crashed into a lake near Madison, Wisconsin.
This book gave life and meaning to the man behind the famous songs and reinforced the tragedy of his early death. Gould describes Otis as only beginning his musical accomplishments at the time of his death. In fact, he recorded what was to be his biggest hit, (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay, shortly before his death and therefore was unable to see what an instant hit the song was. Gould asserts that Otis was dismissive of the power of lyrics until shortly before his death; who knows what classic songs we may have had if only he hadn't died in the crash.
I was disappointed that this is more of an analysis of Redding's music within the context of the music of the time rather than an intimate portrait of Otis himself. Gould spends significant time providing historical context and background on race relations at the time. A considerable portion of the book is also devoted to describing Redding's contemporaries including Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown. This, combined with the relatively scant amount of personal details of Otis' life, made the biography feel like a history of soul music during the 60s through the lens of Otis Redding, rather than a biography. For example, despite the fact that Gould interviewed Otis' widow, few insight from her personal relationship with the singer are included and little to nothing is included about their children, which seemed like an oversight in a biography. Although I'm sure the author worked with what material was available to him, I had hoped for a more intimate portrait of the man behind the music than was presented.
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