#51. Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul | Otis Redding (1965)

The life of Otis Redding was way too short. Just three years after this album was released, his plane crashed into Lake Monona, Wisconsin.

Redding's idol, Sam Cooke, died the year before this album came out, which explains the inclusion of 3 covers of Cooke classics ("A Change Is Gonna Come," "Shake" and "Wonderful World"). These are all great versions and a fitting tribute to Cooke. The rest of the album is just as enjoyable. There's a fantastic cover of the Stones' "Satisfaction," the Motown hit "My Girl" and Redding's original song, "Respect." I never knew that he wrote the song that would eventually become Aretha's signature song.

This one is definitely a classic and worth a listen.

Track Listing:
01. Ole Man Trouble
02. Respect
03. A Change Is Gonna Come
04. Down In The Valley
05. I've Been Loving You Too Long
06. Shake
07. My Girl
08. Wonderful World
09. Rock Me Baby
10. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
11. You Don't Miss Your Water

My favorites are in bold. I'd love to hear what yours are.