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... ( )

This is so much more than a biography of Otis Redding. Gould walks the reader through the social history of the South to explain the evolution of music which became R&B and Soul. Otis Redding didn't exist in a vacuum and this book includes the lives of the musicians, music producers, recording studio owners and families of everyone who crossed paths with Redding. This is one of the best biographies I've ever read. If you love R&B/Soul music, this is a must-read.

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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 is a most unexpected and deep pleasure. I thought I'd be reading, "Otis was born. Otis grew up. Otis sang. Otis died." And I loved Otis, so that would have been okay. What has been written by Jonathan Gould, so thoughtfully and thoroughly, is a history lesson of the United States from the 1950s - 1970s, in music. We move with Ray Charles, Little Richard, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha, to Otis. And especially to his complex relationship with Phil Warden, his white manager. As it turned out, Otis had so little time, and was only in his mid twenties when he died in a plane crash. As the author points out, he was the same age as John Lennon when "A Day In The Life" was composed.

Such an incredible loss for music and for the movement against Jim Crow - Otis was starting to get political and it would have been formidable had he lived to continue singing, writing, and producing. And to become even more conscious of "the power of segregation to insulate white people from the social reality of black people's lives - a barrier that did not necessarily yield to professional friendship or the pursuit of common goals."

This is absolutely the best book of music history I've ever read. And just as powerful in its way as "The Warmth of Other Suns", the definitive story of The Great Migration.

Quotes: "Of all the emotions that the black singers of his generation derived from their collective upbringing in the church and the myriad joys and sorrows of their lives in the world - the carnal rapture of Ray Charles, the sublime sensuality of Sam Cooke, the elegant anguish of Marvin Gaye, and the transcendent glory of Aretha Franklin - Otis's special distinction turned on his desire to have and to hold. Hold on, he implored his listeners." ( )

Otis Redding An Unfinished Life

I found this to be an impressive biography and social history of the times.
"...timed to coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of his iconic performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival."
(publishers note)
There are extensive notes, bibliography and some photos included.
...a close and personal look at the icon many call the "King of Soul"and the tragedy of an unfinished life as he perished at the height of his career in a December 1967 plane crash.

...a bit lengthy but a musical history must read.

4.5 ★ ( )