Otis Redding was a famous American singer-songwriter, record producer, and talent scout. He became popular for his hit songs such as Try a Little Tenderness, These Arms of Mine, The Dock of the Bay, Knock on Wood, and Tramp.
The Tragic Plane Crash
On December 10, 1967, Otis Redding and his bandmates from Bar-Kays died in a plane crash involving Redding’s Beechcraft H18 airplane.
The crash occurred in Lake Monona, just after the pilot had requested permission to land. Despite warnings of poor weather, the plane took off.
Ben Cauley, the only survivor, was sleeping before the crash. He woke up just to hear bandmate Phalon Jones exclaim, “Oh, no!” Ben unbuckled his seat belt, and he was found floating on a seat cushion in frigid water.
Early Life and Influences
Otis Ray Redding Jr. was born on September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia.
As a young boy, he sang in the Vineville Baptist Church choir where he learned guitar and piano. He later took drum and singing lessons as early as from age 10. His early influencers included Little Richard and Sam Cooke.
Redding’s Career
Redding quit school at age 15 to support his family. Little Richard employed him in his backing band, the Upsetters, and performed together in talent shows at the historic Douglass Theatre in Macon.
As a student, he performed gospel songs for Macon radio station WIBB and won a $5 prize in a teen talent show for 4 months straight.
Wife
Otis Redding married Zelma Atwood in 1961, and they had four children. Zelma manages the Reddings band, consisting of her children Otis, Dexter, and their cousin Mark Lockett.
Otis earned an estimated annual income of $1.68 million and had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death.
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