The Estate of Otis Redding marks a milestone as March comes to a close, with this month marking the 60th anniversary of Otis Redding’s sophomore album, The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads. Originally released in March 1965, Redding’s second studio album showcases the soulful artistry that has remained a hallmark of his enduring legacy.

Available via Warner Music’s Rhino Records on all major digital music providers, The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads is a 12-track soul classic. It was originally released in 1965 on both Atlantic Records’ ATCO label and Volt, and it was Redding’s first release for the newly formed Stax sublabel, Volt. The album features original works by Redding and other Stax artists, as well as Redding’s interpretations of classic soul standards. Among these ballads are Redding’s first Top 10 single, “Mr. Pitiful,” along with “I Want to Thank You,” “Come To Me,” Sam Cooke’s “Nothing Can Change This Love,” and more.

Known as the “King of Soul,” Otis Redding’s electrifying performances and timeless songs have influenced generations of listeners worldwide. His musical catalog includes “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” “These Arms of Mine,” “Mr. Pitiful,” “Try a Little Tenderness,” “Respect,” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” and many more. This March also marked a milestone for “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” which hit No. 1 on March 16, 1968—making it the first posthumous No. 1 single in American music history. Further commemorating Redding’s legacy, the Otis Redding Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the long-awaited Otis Redding Center for the Arts (ORCA) on March 18.

Serving students ages 5–18 in music and arts education, ORCA is a testament to Otis Redding’s enduring legacy: he was not only one of the world’s greatest musical artists but also a philanthropist committed to giving back to his community and inspiring young people through the arts. The state-of-the-art facility in downtown Macon, Georgia, plans to offer programming for toddlers and senior citizens later this year. A bronze statue of Otis Redding, honoring “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” will be installed as part of the Zelma Redding Amphitheater on the Center’s campus later this spring.

Visit the Otis Redding site at https://otisredding.com/.

For more details on the Otis Redding Foundation, the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, its team, and upcoming programs (such as the Otis Music Camp), visit https://www.otisreddingfoundation.org and www.orcamacon.org.

Otis Redding – The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads
https://otisr.lnk.to/TGORSSB