Redding was born in Dawson, Georgia, and at the age of 2, moved to Macon, Georgia. Redding quit school at age 15 to support his family, working with Little Richard's backing band, the Upsetters, and by performing in talent shows at the historic Douglass Theatre in Macon. In 1958, he joined Johnny Jenkins's band, the Pinetoppers, with whom he toured the Southern states as a singer and driver. An unscheduled appearance on a Stax recording session led to a contract and his first single, "These Arms of Mine", in 1962.
Stax released Redding's debut album, Pain in My Heart, two years later. Initially popular mainly with African-Americans, Redding later reached a wider American pop music audience. Along with his group, he first played small gigs in the American South. He later performed at the popular Los Angeles night club Whisky a Go Go and toured Europe, performing in London, Paris and other major cities. He also performed at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.
Shortly before his death in a plane crash, Redding wrote and recorded his iconic "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" with Steve Cropper. The song became the first posthumous number-one record on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. The album The Dock of the Bay was the first posthumous album to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart. Redding's premature death devastated Stax. Already on the verge of bankruptcy, the label soon discovered that the Atco division of Atlantic Records owned the rights to his entire song catalog.
Redding received many posthumous accolades, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In addition to "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," "Respect" and "Try a Little Tenderness" are among his best-known songs.
Redding has been called the "King of Soul", an honorific also given to Brown and Cooke. He remains one of the genre's most recognized artists. His lean and powerful style exemplified the Stax sound; he was said to be "the heart and soul of Stax", while artists such as Al Jackson, Dunn and Cropper helped to expand its structure. His open-throated singing, the tremolo/vibrato, the manic, electrifying stage performances and perceived honesty were particular hallmarks, along with the use of interjections (such as "gotta, gotta, gotta"), some of which came from Cooke. Producer Stewart thought the "begging singing" was stress-induced and enhanced by Redding's shyness.
Artists from many genres have named Redding as a musical influence. George Harrison called "Respect" an inspiration for "Drive My Car". The Rolling Stones also mentioned Redding as a major influence. Other artists influenced by Redding include Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Doors, and virtually every soul and R&B musician from the early years, such as Al Green, Etta James, William Bell, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Conley. Janis Joplin was influenced by his singing style, according to Sam Andrew, a guitarist in her band Big Brother and the Holding Company. She stated that she learned "to push a song instead of just sliding over it" after hearing Redding.
The Bee Gees' Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb wrote the song "To Love Somebody" for him to record. He loved it, and he was going to "cut it", as Barry put it, on his return from his final concert. They dedicated the song to his memory.
When Something is Wrong with my Baby
Otis Redding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something is wrong with me
I know when she's a little worried
I feel that same old misery
We've been through so much together
We stand as one and that's what makes it better
Something is wrong with me
Just what she means to me you out there just can't understand it
People can say my woman, she's no good
But she's my woman and I know I'm her only man
And if he's got a problem, I got to help him solve ?em
When something is wrong with my baby
Something is wrong with me
The lyrics of Otis Redding's "When Something is Wrong with my Baby" express the deep connection and empathy between two people in a romantic relationship. Redding sings that when his partner is going through a difficult time and feels worried or unhappy, he feels the same pain and misery she does. He emphasizes the strength of their bond and the fact that they have faced challenges together and stood by each other in order to make it through.
Redding also addresses outside opinions about his relationship, acknowledging that others may criticize or judge his partner unfairly. However, he is clear that he knows the importance of his relationship and the unique understanding they share. He is committed to supporting his partner through any difficulties they face, and reciprocally she would do the same for him.
Overall, the lyrics convey the idea that true love means being connected to your partner so deeply that you feel what they feel, and that supporting each other through tough times is what strengthens and solidifies a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
When something is wrong with my baby
My own emotional state is directly affected when the woman I love is not feeling well.
Something is wrong with me
I experience a lot of distress and discomfort when my partner is not feeling well.
I know when she's a little worried
I am very attuned to her emotions and can sense when she's feeling anxious or upset about something.
I feel that same old misery
When she's feeling down or unhappy, I experience those same negative emotions myself.
We've been through so much together
We have a very deep and meaningful relationship that has been through many ups and downs over time.
We stand as one and that's what makes it better
Our relationship is built on a strong foundation of mutual support and caring, which helps us navigate difficult times.
Just what she means to me you out there just can't understand it
The depth of my love and commitment to her is something that outsiders can't fully appreciate or comprehend.
People can say my woman, she's no good
Despite what others may think, I know that my partner is a wonderful person and a good match for me.
But she's my woman and I know I'm her only man
I have a strong sense of ownership and devotion to her, and know that she feels the same way about me.
And if he's got a problem, I got to help him solve ?em
I am very committed to helping my partner overcome any challenges or difficulties that he may experience in life.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ISAAC HAYES, DAVID PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
WesGriffin
Otis & Carla's version of this song is stellar !! Unmatched ! Stax Record label is sooo underrated. That label was the Birth of Soul. The writers, producers, musicians, artists etc. saturated the airwaves with the best era of pure raw soul music. Then Motown came along...oh well.
Renny Shelton
The Stax label was to Soul what the Sun label was to Rock'n'Roll.
Barbara Portis
This is a beautiful song it touches the heart
💋Annette b 2 💋
Two of the greatest voices ever. 👑👑💋
Weldon Harper
Otis & Carla were a great singing duo.
Cathlean Johnson
I like both versions, their's and Sam and Dave, sadly we will never experience this era in Pop and RnB music again, blessed witness even though I was a kid when they had their hey day, thank goodness for YouTube...
Oneil Bynoe
The real King and Queen of Soul Otis and Carla
rubymcfadden
Ladies and Gentlemen! This is SOUL MUSIC.
kermit ganier
this is my favorite version. Otis and Carla voices marry each other.
Robert Rocks
Love this song