The 5 Best Documentaries About Otis Redding

Oct 29, 2023 | Best Of, Celebrities, Music

Otis Redding was one of the greatest soul singers of all time, and he left an indelible mark on music history. His timeless songs are beloved by listeners around the world. But did you know that there have been several documentaries made about him? We’ve put together a list of our favorite 5 documentaries about Otis Redding for any fan who wants to learn more about the singer and his life. From biographies to stories about his greatest hits, these documentaries are must-watch films for anyone looking to appreciate the work of this musical legend. Read on to find out which ones made our list!

 

1. Otis Ray Redding Documentary

Otis Ray Redding, known as “the King of Soul” for his incredibly soulful music and performing style, was a musical icon in the sixties. He is remembered for creating hits like “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay”, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, and “Try a Little Tenderness”. To celebrate the legacy of this incredible artist and gain a better understanding of his life and music, here are five documentaries about Otis Redding that are worth watching:  Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story (2003) This two-hour documentary follows the rise and fall of Stax Records, the Memphis-based record label that Redding called home from 1959 until his death in 1967. It features interviews with many of the greats who were associated with Stax, including Booker T. Jones, Isaac Hayes, Steve Cropper, and members of The Bar-Kays.

 

2. Otis Redding – Soul Ambassador (BBC Docuemntary 2013)

This BBC documentary brings together some of the most iconic material from Otis Redding’s career, charting his rise to fame and eventual untimely demise. Through interviews with family, friends, associates, and performances by the man himself at iconic venues such as Monterey Pop Festival and The Apollo Theater, viewers get an inside look into the life of one of the most influential and beloved artists of all-time. Not only does this film provide an in-depth look at his music, but it also focuses on the important role Redding had in breaking down barriers between black and white musicians during a tumultuous time in history. A must-see for any fan of soul music, Otis Redding – Soul Ambassador is an essential viewing experience.

 

3. Otis Redding Unsung

There’s no better way to get to know the life, music and legacy of Otis Redding then by watching the classic full episode of Unsung. This documentary follows the story of the legendary singer-songwriter from his upbringing in Georgia, his career as a professional musician and finally his untimely death. The episode includes interviews with family members, friends and fellow musicians along with rare performance clips. It is a must-watch for any fan of Otis Redding, and a fantastic way to learn more about the man and his music.

 

4.  Otis Redding And The Revolution Of Soul” at The GRAMMY Museum

This event celebrated the legacy of Otis Redding and showcased a collection of never before seen family photos, videos, artwork from some of the original album covers, personal items that were collected over his career and a variety of other artifacts. For those looking to learn more about Otis Redding’s life and music, there are several documentaries available. Here are the best documentaries about Otis Redding and his incredible legacy: Respect! The Story of Otis Redding – This feature-length documentary captures the career, tragedy, and lasting influence of Redding. It includes interviews with friends, family members, musical collaborators, and industry veterans who explore Otis’ journey in music from growing up in rural Georgia to becoming a world-renowned artist. Otis Redding: The King of Soul – This documentary chronicles the short life and career of one of the most influential singers in music history, from his rise to fame in 1960s America, to his tragic death at age 26.

 

5. Otis Redding Soul Ambassador Hot Documentary

Otis Redding was a legendary soul singer who inspired many other musicians to create their own soulful music. He is also one of the most influential figures in modern music, having been an inspiration to countless artists and fans alike. As such, it makes sense that there are many documentaries about his life and work. We have put together some of the best documentaries about Otis Redding that will give you a comprehensive overview of his amazing life and unparalleled legacy.

Read On – Our Latest Top Documentaries Lists

David B