Otis Redding’s I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul)
Let’s move directly to one of my favorite male singers of all-time (tied with Sam Cooke for #1). Otis was simply Otis – pure, true, vibrant, alive, soulful. Man, could this guy sing! I love the way his voice slightly cracks throughout, as if the he cannot bury the hangdog inside. He lived his music. There was nothing false or disingenuous about Otis. He simply was. He tragically died young at the age of twenty-six in a plane crash while touring, mere days after recording his biggest hit, (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.
His hoarse, gravelly voice is the antithesis of the sweet soul-singing of Sam Cooke. Respectively, they’re two of the greatest singers ever. Next week, I’ll bring some home-Cookeing for comparison.
For past songs, begin here.