If you don’t know anything that Otis Redding has done then you need to get hooked up with a record or a track and take a listen. This man was one of the pioneers that helped to drive soul music towards what it is now. He actually quit school at age 15 so he could get a job to help his family pay the bills and get by, and eventually joined up with Little Richard before creating a music career that would help him skyrocket to the top with Sittin’ On The Dock of The Bay. Unfortunately he was killed in a plane crash before this song became a hit, but he’d written and recorded it before then.
Here’s how his music continues to influence popular culture.
5. Pretty in Pink – Try A Little Tenderness
Ducky was the ultimate geek in his day and the kind of guy you knew just tried a little too hard sometimes. But he loved his friends and he loved his music as you can see by the way he rushes into the store and just proceeds to get down. This is the kind of guy that sees and hears the oldies and is absolutely inspired. So what if he’s kind of a geek? He’s a fun guy.
4. Tammy – Hard to Handle
Tammy is the kind of girl you just don’t want to mess with initially. She’s dirty, she nasty, she’s got the kind of attitude you’d rather keep far, far away from you and more than that, it seemed to be Melissa McCarthy’s M.O. for the longest time. Thankfully she’s kind of stepped out of that role and taken on some other parts that have seen her become a much more respected actress.
3. Dancing With The Stars – These Arms of Mine
It’s hard to equate the woman that Jennifer Gray is now with the woman she used to be. Most of it is her looks since she had a lot done to her appearance. She’s kept in great shape though and obviously still loves to dance. I kind of wonder if she picked that up from Dirty Dancing or has always been into moving to the rhythm of the music. In any case she looks great.
2. Sons of Anarchy – (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay
This popular show was almost always known to use older, more dated music to give a more authentic and original feel to each episode. There’s no doubt that Otis Redding was just one of many inspirations that the cast and the director used to make the series blend a little better and give a few truly reflective moments so that it wasn’t all crime and drama.
1. Dirty Dancing – Love Man
This is like the ultimate chick flick and I’ll proudly say that I’ve watched it so many times that I’ve lost count. The film is still popular to this day and despite the fact that a very unsuccessful sequel was made it’s popularity has never been in doubt. Swayze and Grey brought back the urge to dance in a very big way.
Otis Redding is still a notable voice even years after his passing.
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