We often like to look back at great events in the history of soul music, but today we look back at one of music’s darkest days: December 10, 1967, when a small plane headed to Wisconsin crashed in the water, killing legendary singer Otis Redding and several members of his young backing group, The Bar-Kays. Just 26 years old, Redding was at the height of his career, having just recorded what would become his signature ballad, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”
Redding and four members of his backing band, the Bar-Kays, were en route to a show when their twin-engine Beechcraft plane plunged into the icy waters of Lake Monona. Only one person, Bar-Kays trumpeter Ben Cauley, survived the crash. The accident claimed the lives of not only a brilliant vocalist, but also promising young musicians who were helping to define the sound of Stax Records and Southern soul.
Known for his raw emotion and gospel-inflected delivery, Otis Redding had already carved out a lasting legacy with hits like “Try a Little Tenderness,” “Respect,” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long.” His performances were legendary—fiery, sweaty, and filled with a conviction that connected with audiences across the world.
In a cruel twist of fate, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was released posthumously and became his first No. 1 single, forever etching his voice into the pantheon of soul greats. Though his life was brief, Otis Redding’s impact was monumental. His death marked a heartbreaking chapter in soul music history, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of artists with his passion, sincerity, and unforgettable sound.
It is a day that still gives us chills, two generations after it happened.
