Album of the Day

The title of THE GREAT OTIS REDDING SINGS SOUL BALLADS tells you pretty much all you need to know about this superb 1965 collection. The Georgia-born performer's second studio album was cut at Stax and benefits considerably from the presence of house band Booker T. & the M.G.'s and the Memphis Horns. The dozen tracks are split between covers and originals; while Otis holds his own on songs made famous by Chuck Willis, The Impressions and Sam Cooke, his version of opener “That's How Strong My Love Is” can be considered definitive. The self-penned material is also outstanding, and includes R&B Top 10 hit “Mr. Pitiful” (inspired by the nickname a radio DJ had bestowed on Redding). We kick off Black History Month with THE GREAT OTIS REDDING SINGS SOUL BALLADS.