Black History: Special Delivery!!
Today, January 8, 2018 marks 50 years since the posthumous release of, “Sitting By The Dock Of The Bay. ” by Otis Redding (1941-1967) in 1968. It was the first posthumous recording to reach number one in the U.S. The song was not his typical soulful sound and he was strongly advised not to release it. However, Redding felt strongly that it would be a number one hit. He was right! Redding died in a plane crash, at age 26, about a month before the song was released.
Shout out to Black Mail follower and supporter JaDonnia B. for suggesting the idea for this post!
Check out her blog, “Diversity University” !
Source:
https://www.npr.org/2018/01/08/576413464/the-story-of-how-otis-reddings-dock-of-the-bay-got-released
January 10, 2018 at 12:11 pm
His story is amazing, and the release of this song worked but to capitalize on the news of his death, as per usual record industry practice. It is a still used marketing ploy used when artists pass away. Fortunately, this song, recorded shortly after he underwent throat surgery, took his name along with it, posthumously, to the top of the radio charts. It is an absolute classic tune, and I thank you for remembering one of our fallen stars-gone much too soon. Thanks again!
January 10, 2018 at 1:04 pm
Amazing story. Sounds like he was really at a pivotal point in his life! It was 5 months after his visit to the bad that I think he began working on the song in studio. Who would have known at the time that this signature Melody would become a hallmark of his career posthumously!
January 10, 2018 at 1:53 pm
Absolutely! Amazing is fate!
January 10, 2018 at 12:26 pm
‘Sitting on the Dock of the Bay’, when really focusing on the lyrics absent the melody, blows me away, and as sad as it sounds, i.e.,’…looks like nothin’s gonna come my way…’, helped immortality come to him, as well as his other tunes.
So, ultimately, he tells us that for those in despair, look up, look forward, mindful that when we keep going, there’s nowhere to go but up. That bay symbolizes a place of solace, reflection and rejuvenation in solidifying the determination to realize dreams and goals. [my takeaway to a classic song]