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.
White Christmas
Otis Redding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just like the one that I used to know, oh
Honey, it's where the treetops, treetops glisten
Little bitty, little bitty, little bitty children
They trying to listen
To hear, before the sleigh bells that are ringing in the snow
I want to tell you one more time what I'm thinking about
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, yeah
With every Christmas card that I write you, oh
I want you to know
May your days, may your days
Be so merry, merry and bright
Oh darling I wished all of them
One more thing
And may all, all of your Christmases
And be all, and be all of your Christmases
Baby may your days, may your days
Be merry, merry, so merry and bright
Lord have mercy, I wished all of 'em honey
And may all your Christmases
Be so white
Have mercy, all the white
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
I'm dreaming, dreaming of a white, white Christmas
Baby, baby, Lord I'm dreaming, dreaming of a Christmas
Yeah, baby, Merry Christmas
The lyrics to Otis Redding’s version of White Christmas, written by Irving Berlin, are a dreamy and nostalgic take on the classic holiday tune. Redding, who was known for his soulful delivery, puts a gospel twist on the track, infusing it with emotion and passion. The first two lines of the song show a deep longing to experience the ideal white Christmas, one that is reminiscent of the artist’s childhood, where treetops glistened with snow, and children gathered to hear the sound of sleigh bells ringing in the distance.
Throughout the song, Redding wishes his loved ones, and by extension, the listener, a joyful and bright holiday season. He urges them to embrace the spirit of Christmas, to be merry and filled with joy. His soulful and heartfelt delivery of the song conveys a deep sense of longing and desire for a perfect holiday season. The song is a testament to the power of music to convey emotions and transport listeners to a time and place far away.
Line by Line Meaning
I, I'm dreaming, dreaming of a white, white Christmas, y'all
I am envisioning a snow-filled and joyful Christmas
Just like the one that I used to know, oh
Similar to the Christmas I experienced in the past
Honey, it's where the treetops, treetops glisten
The scene is set as snow and ice reflect off trees
Little bitty, little bitty, little bitty children
The presence of small children is notable
They trying to listen
The children are excitedly listening for something
To hear, before the sleigh bells that are ringing in the snow
They are straining to hear the sound of sleigh bells in the snow
I want to tell you one more time what I'm thinking about
I want to reiterate my dream of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card that I write you, oh
I hope my well wishes bring you closer to the Christmas I anticipate
I want you to know
It is important that you understand
May your days, may your days
May all your days
Be so merry, merry and bright
Be full of cheer and happiness
Oh darling I wished all of them
I wish this for all of your days
One more thing
Before I conclude
And may all, all of your Christmases
May each of your Christmases
And be all, and be all of your Christmases
Be as wonderful as you hope for all your Christmases to be
Baby may your days, may your days
May all your days, dear one
Be merry, merry, so merry and bright
Filled with joy and glowing with warmth
Lord have mercy, I wished all of 'em honey
I pray for happiness for all your days
And may all your Christmases
With hope and happiness, may each of your Christmases
Be so white
Be filled with pristine snow and beauty
Have mercy, all the white
May the white of the snow sweep in wonderful moments
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
I am imagining a perfect, snow-filled Christmas
Baby, baby, Lord I'm dreaming, dreaming of a Christmas
I'm hoping and dreaming for an unforgettable Christmas
Yeah, baby, Merry Christmas
Wishing you a merry Christmas celebration
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
maurice gaskin
This is what music of class is,imagine a song made 49 years ago can still sound like it was made yesterday.Great voice,great soul,great brass ,great music.This version is the best.Just heard it on our local radio station and i had to play it twice on my computer.
OtisFan1
The greatest Christmas song of all time, performed by the best singer of all time, Mr. Otis Redding. Today is December 10, 2013. We lost Otis 46 years ago today. Blessings to all Otis fans all over the world.
Shavar Brunson
I can't help but close my eyes and sway to this...I wish it was a longer song. Only Otis can sing like this.
Mary Gordon
Me too
Stephanie Lazurtegui
yep.. this has got to be the best version of White Christmas EVER made!💕👍🌲❄
Barbara Marrs
Otis is the Best, Everything he sings..❤️
Vivian Burbage
Dedicated to my beloved 💓 brother 🙏 Bobby o miss you much bro. Rip you and oti
russell jones
I don't care what Otis sings , it always sounds awesome!
Colleen Sampson
This rendition is one of my favorite Christmas songs of all time. A must hear at this time of the year. Beautifully done, and with the greatest feeling.
Colleen Sampson
You have good taste. Thank you.