It would mean so much to them to travel to the US West Coast for this award, said Karla Redding in an acceptance speech. This honor will live on forever, just like Otis Redding’s legacy.
The talented singer performed in the church choir as a child. He celebrated his first recording success in 1962 with the song “These Arms of Mine,” which he wrote. He had other hits with “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, “Try a Little Tenderness” and “Respect”. Aretha Franklin reached number one on the R&B charts with her version of “Respect.” Redding was also known for his live performances. He toured Europe with his band and performed at the legendary Monterey Pop Festival in California in 1967 alongside greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Eric Burdon & The Animals.
After a visit to San Francisco, he recorded what is probably his most famous song in early December 1967. The ballad “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” written with guitarist Steve Cropper, was only released after Redding’s death and won a Grammy. Redding died on December 10, 1967 when his private plane crashed on the way to a concert in the US state of Wisconsin. In bad weather the plane crashed into a lake. In addition to the 26-year-old soul singer, six other people were killed; only one band member survived the crash.
