The song was originally released in 1968, and peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Hot R&B Singles charts. (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay: A Children’s Picture Book, with song lyrics by Otis Redding and co-writer and friend Steve Cropper, and illustrations by Atlanta, GA–based artist Kaitlyn Shea O’Connor, was published on Maas part of Akashic Books’ LyricPop series. “He would have been so very proud to know that his music is living on in the youth of his community in such a beautiful way.” “We have greatly enjoyed seeing the creations that my father’s work has inspired in these young artists,” says Karla Redding-Andrews, vice-president and executive director of the Otis Redding Foundation and daughter of Otis Redding. has strong ties to the Jones County Community and we feel grateful to be able to share these connections.” Our students and our schools have benefited greatly from learning more about the music of Otis Redding through the books which have been donated,” says Amy Marlowe, Literacy Specialist for the Jones County Schools. “The Jones County School System has been so proud to have been included as a part of this community outreach from the Otis Redding Foundation. The art can all be viewed in the video above and the visit can be viewed via the photos and video below. VP/Executive Director for the Otis Redding Foundation, Karla Redding-Andrews visited Dames Ferry Elementary, Turner Woods Elementary, Gray Elementary, and Mattie Wells Elementary, where she met with students and staff. Students participated in an art contest, creating pieces inspired by Otis Redding’s classic song, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”įirst grade students participated in an art contest, creating pieces inspired by Otis Redding’s classic song, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Teachers and administrators chose the selected artists to represent their classes. The Redding Estate and the Otis Redding Foundation teamed with the Jones County School District to distribute the “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” children’s lyric book to first graders on Thursday, May 20. This song is credited with further influencing the soul movement by combining R&B and folk.The Redding Estate and the Otis Redding Foundation partner with the Jones County School District to distribute children’s lyric book “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” sold over one million units and was Redding’s first number one single on Billboard Magazine’s pop chart. Before learning this, I thought the whistling was intentional and fit perfectly, representing how the meaning of a song could be understood without words being spoken. His co-writer Steve Cropper decided to fill in the last verse with Redding’s whistling.
He was unable to finish writing the last verse though, as he passed away just four days after recording began. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, there were moments of musical simplicity and lyrics that mostly talked about oneself, instead of a proclamation of love. There are some noticeable influences The Beatles had in this song when comparing to Redding’s former music. He listened to the album during a week he spent at a houseboat in California while performing at San Francisco’s Fillmore West Theater in 1967. Redding wrote it after being influenced by The Beatles’ Sgt. Although it could be thought of as a song he wrote in a moment of happiness and peace, my impression was more pointed towards defeat. This song is more introspective and discusses an inner battle as opposed to having problems with a significant other. The song I chose to analyze lyrically is “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of a Bay.” The reason I chose this song is that it is unlike his many romantic and love-centered tracks. Even if Redding had a seemingly-short career, his sound will carry on for many generations.
Some artists that Otis Redding have inspired or have covered his songs include The Grateful Dead, The Doors, Willie Nelson, Al Green, Pearl Jam, Etta James, Rod Stewart, and Kanye West. Redding did not only influence the masses, he influenced many famous musicians. Also known as the “The King of Soul,” he is remembered mostly because of his powerful voice, soulful lyrics, and who he inspired. Otis Redding has been noted as one of the greatest soul singers and composers of all time.