Steve Cropper on the Tragedy of Losing Otis Redding

This clip comes from an interview we did with Steve Cropper in 2019. We talk about how Otis Redding got his record deal with Stax Records and the tragedy of losing him in the plane crash.
The entire interview: • The Story of Booker T ...
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[@Emperorjones]

I remember the night his plane went down like it was yesterday. We were going to see them that night. As a young band we were psych’d to see Otis and the Bar-Kay’s. It was a nasty, dark and wet night in Madison. Still have my ticket somewhere.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing EJ.... Best.... Joe

[@wearebetterhumansnow]

😢

[@jafar4marva]

The story of Otis asking to sing is well known. This intimate detail is wonderful. Thank you.

[@lazur1]

I believe "Dock of the Bay" is the only recording where we hear a 26 year old Otis. On everything else he's even younger. What a mature soul.

[@michaelstamper3444]

Having to work at 15 to hp support a family likely caused his early maturity

[@lazur1]

Cause&effect are hard to determine. Just as likely his inherent maturity enabled responsible behavior@a young age. Many run away in a similar circumstance.

[@kman33ful]

listen to fa fa fa fa fa

[@lazur1]

@@kman33ful Otis was 24 when he recorded that.

[@tessarix]

We've lost so many amazing superstar singers and bands to plane crashes. Very sad.

[@Coco-xw3wp]

But best believe that plane crash was intentional.... Steve knows and will never PUBLICLY speak 🗣️ on hit!

[@lindacollins6939]

So many...the latest was Kobe in the helicopter crash that started the terrible year of 2020.

[@davidanderson8469]

Helicopters too. Stevie Ray Vaughn comes to mind.

[@bradpaulburn4857]

These stories are that good that even though ive watched the full Cropper interview i just watched this again haha .

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Brad... yes I know there are a few of you that watch the whole interview but most only watch the first 10 plus minutes but since I knew some of you had seen the whole interview we added pictures to this clip to make it more enjoyable for you:) Thanks again for watching... Joe

[@__bam]

Back for a second helping myself.

[@CameronMeadows]

Agreed!

[@michaelmitchell5098]

I never get tired of hearing Steve tell the stories ☺️

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Michael.......joe

[@frankiebutler2894]

Neither do I.....I really enjoy Joe's offerings. Thanks, Joe, for your wonderful, priceless back-stories. I'm always excited when you ring my bell!!! ❤️

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Frankie... joe

[@kenschoberg9994]

The day before Otis died, I purchased The album " Otis and Carla, King and Queen. What a shock the next day! I lived in Madison and was just in a stupor. I sure wish that I had attended the concert! He was the best R&B artist ever!

[@jsteed44]

Can't imagine if he was still alive what he might have done or achieved had he not taken that plane ; lost too much talent in plane disasters thinking of holly skynrd etc

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts John... joe

[@anthonymaccherone]

I heard the news on the school bus on the way home. I went into the woods and cried until I had no more tears.

[@TheVatonaught]

I got to see Otis by accident...didn't listen to R&BV then (but I'm a blues fanatic) went to a concert with a pal who needed company at an all black event...talent is alike watching a miracle happen in front of your own eyes.

[@JamesAllmond]

I live in Macon, Ga. The Reddings love this guy, will leave it there.

[@krusherking1]

Otis Redding died shortly after he turned 26. In his short life he made so MUCH great music. It's as if he knew he didn't have a lot of time.

[@lindacollins6939]

So, so young. I was 21 when he died. Always will remember when I heard about his tragic death.

[@user-xu5zv9bd5b]

Saw Otis and Steve on the UK stax tour. It was the best concert I've ever been to. When Otis died we had a minutes silence in the orchid Purley nothing has ever eclipsed Otis .

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

Things were very different back in those days. Think about it; things were tight enough money wise to where The Bar Kays had to borrow a Bass from Duck for the show. Within 10 feet of me I have a dozen Electric Basses, an Acoustic Bass, an Upright Bass, a Strat, an Acoustic Guitar, a Banjo, a Fiddle, a Mandolin, a Trombone, 8 Amps and more speaker cabinets than anyone needs. I didn't even mention P/A or recording gear. My whole world is tied up in this stuff, it's my life and at 60 I have accumulated a pile of that which I really like because for years, just like The Bar Kays, I had to make due with what I had available. This all makes me look back on my own experiences from a different perspective. Thanks once again Joe for another close look at a great American Musical Icon and Guitar Hero to many.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again Bassman... joe

[@gocsa]

Rest in peace, Joe. Thank you for all your work!

[@mbt1955]

Hearing the "back story" and details of these records and the musicians that played on the hits are a treasure! Thanks , Joe, for making this possible!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Butler... I’m very glad you enjoyed it.. please know I enjoy hearing and learning how these great records were made as much as you:) best.... joe

[@kidkully]

The lake was semi frozen when the crash happened it was December in Wisconsin. The divers had to switch up and take turns for 20 minutes each because of how cold the water was, finally they found otis 3 days later still strapped in his seat 💺 he was frozen solid smh it’s sad,

[@sapelesteve]

Great story by Steve about hearing Otis sing for the first time. I didn't know that he was that young when he died. So very sad & tragic! Thanks for your videos Joe........... Be well & stay safe.......

[@Stevo_Drums]

Another great piece of history. Hope you’re doing well and feeling well, Joe! I hope to visit the hall one day.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Steve... yes I’m good. Hope you are too ... look forward to seeing you soon... joe

[@Realmikesambo]

I feel like the proverbial fly on the wall listening to these memories. They mean a lot to us, thanks Joe for sharing!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching too Mike... joe

[@jonasadamson6645]

I just love your interviews with legends like Steve Cropper! Thank you so much....

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching them too Jonas... joe

[@drumminsonlive9199]

26 years old I didn’t know that... Thanks Joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Drummin... joe

[@gns423]

Another excellent interview. Otis was phenomenal; such a loss. Thanks for posting.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you too Gary.. joe

[@NYCgirl927]

Talent and persistence and a man who knows talent. Fantastic.

[@mrDCunningham]

Joe...your interviews are priceless. And for you to take the time to reply to the comments says so much about you. 👍🏻😎

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks David.... and thank you for watching our videos... best... Joe

[@sthulander1]

Odd thing: That night, Otis and the Bar Kays were scheduled to appear at Ken Adamany's, The Factory. The band that was to open for Otis was (gulp), The Grim Reapers. The Reapers were the early incarnation of what eventually became Rick Nielsen's, Cheap Trick. Rick had to take the stage and announce the tragedy, if memory holds - from reports. I was in a band, contemporary with the Reapers in Rockford, Illinois. Boy, the news really hit hard. Rick saves every single memento of his performances - and always has. He still has several of the original posters advertising the show. - I'm wondering, Joe, if you might be interested in interviewing Rick? LOVE YOUR SERIES, JOE. Learning a lot. And, yeah - Otis' voice was remarkable.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi 1.... yeah Rick would be a good interview. I don’t know him but I do know one member of the band and their management... I’ll look into it.... thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts... joe

[@shaunw9270]

I also watched the full interview , but good to see this clip again . 👍

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Shaun.....Like I said... we did add pictures that were not on the original full interview... hope you enjoyed them... joe

[@shaunw9270]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Very much , thank you !

[@thestarlitmagician]

Amazing Soul❤️

[@ooee6383]

Phenomenal. Now this is content.

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Absolutely fantastic Thanks so much Joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Nelly... remember if you like these short clips usually there are the full versions on our KZbin channel if you have the time to watch the longer shows... best, Joe

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum sure appreciate that Thanks Joe

[@gregorytoddsmith9744]

Joe you coax out amazing stories of musical history from those that made it. It is so important and I am grateful that you endeavour to chronicle and give reverence to humanity's musical genius. Thank you!!🎶🎵

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Greg... joe

[@ernestoborrego5102]

Great stuff!!! The stories never get old... thanks!

[@TooLooze]

Amazing! Another great one.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks TooLooze.... joe

[@shkyrbty]

Wow, so much history and too much tragedy.

[@davidmcclure9978]

I just happened across your Steve Cropper interviews. Thank you! I can't tell you how much I enjoy your website. Dave

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks David… I appreciate you too… Joe

[@calvinbealer7264]

Great 😃👍 Interview. Thank You Very Much for Sharing This. SIR

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank for your support Calvin….Joe

[@timkbt]

Back in ‘76 I was in a 7 piece band that included 4 members of the West Point Jazz Knights. Some how Jeff Lane who was the producer of BT Express of “Do It Till Your Satisfied” fame heard of us. He sent up a guy who developed artists by the name of Sam Taylor to work with us. I asked Sam so what’s your story? He said I played a little guitar with Ray Charles and once you’ve played with Ray there’s not much else to talk about. Many years later I found out Sam was the guitar player with Joey Dee and the Starliters, Sam played the solo on Peppermint Twist, traded gigs with Jimmy Hendrix when Jimmy was leaving the Isley Brothers. Sam worked with Joe Tex, The Drifters and played guitar and organ on “Do It Till You’re Satisfied. The thing that really blew me away was Sam was the one that whistled on the end of “Dock of the Bay” You can Google who whistled on “Dock of the Bay” to find out more about Sam Taylor. Truly one of those who falls into that who’s the most famous guitar player you’ve never heard of category. Super nice guy and was very humble.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing Tim... joe

[@Michael-qr5vn]

RIP Otis, one of the best. I wonder where Duck's bass is now..? That thing would be a relic if it could be properly identified

[@thegodfatherofthesec1748]

What a legend! Thank the lord for blessing use with these guys and ladies still hear to tell the real stories of how it was way back when !!🙏 Thanks JOE!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Wayland.... Joe

[@gudgengrebe]

What a great interview. I heard this track ‘’These Arms Of Mine’ on the Soprano’s tv show and it was heart stopping as soon as he sang those words ‘’these arms of mine’’ and I immediately went on to youtube to find the full version. Thank goodness Steve recognised the quality of his voice in that instance! The only other track of his that I knew beforehand was ‘Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay’ which has always been a favourite of mine ... and now this wonderful soulful track. I love that you interview all these fascinating musicians, Joe. Your site is a goldmine ... so many new people (for me) to research! Your site will increase in value as time goes on. A little snapshot of history, each interview. I love it.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Gudge... thanks for supporting our channel... best, Joe

[@jimheckert5383]

Thanks.

[@davegallagher7428]

That was really touching, good job Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Dave... joe

[@perijetton9275]

I always think about Phil Walden when I hear stories about Otis or Duane ALLMAN. To manage and lose such phenomenal talent at such a young age must have been incredibly hard.

[@warrenfloyd1484]

Wow!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Floyd.... joe

[@karencahill2493]

It may have not been common at that time but had he owned a private Lear or gulf stream and a legitimate pilot, he would have been fine. Piloting your own aircraft with a pilot who may have not been aware of deicing and flying into winter weather was a recipe for disaster. I know that being a former station supervisor at O’Hare and a flight attendant safety again is a complete different animal in our days but I believe he would have had a fighting chance and most likely it would not have taken him down.

[@davestone4468]

The day the music sadly died again...:-(

[@blueticecho5690]

Good job Joe... Joe I was always wondering did Otis ever get to hear the final take on this ( Sittin on the Dock) and was it Booker T or Isaac Hayes on the keys.. Thank ya sir...

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Blueticecho.... I know for a fact that Otis did”NOT” ever hear the final version of Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay. Wayne Jackson (Memphis Horns) told me ( watch Wayne’s interview) that Otis wanted him and Andrew (sax) to go on the road with him and the Barkays to beef up their horn section but Wayne and Andrew passed on the offer so they could stay and put the horns on “Stttin On The Dock Of The Bay” in the studio. Steve Cropper also told me Otis never heard the final recording. That’s a very good question if it was Booker T. or Isaac playing keys on it. I can’t even take a educated guess. If I talk to Steve I’ll try to remember to ask him. Best... Joe

[@Nicholas211]

Interesting fact of Otis,dead at 26,he almost joined the 27 club

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Very true Larry but you know as far as I know he was not a drug or alcohol abuser like most of the 27 club. Best, Joe

[@chuckmadden2251]

To think how fragile it is that Otis made it. Had Al, Steve, Duck or Jimmy pushed back on that night he may not have gotten a second chance.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Chuck.... joe

[@outtathyme5679]

The world lost a great and influencial musician; Mr Cropper lost a friend as well

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching 567.....joe

[@TheRockerxx69]

Are we talking about Muscle Shoals sessions?

[@gregoryalimenta7457]

Another sad thing as well is that Otis Redding could have still been alive now, my Dad was born the same as him (1941) and his still alive, he would have been 80 in exactly one mount at time I posted the comment.

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

Thanks Joe.😎

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Blake... joe

[@oldermusiclover]

Joe I'm curious did any of the family members sue because of the crash thanks

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

I’ve never heard about it if they did sue ginny….. Joe

[@jennifursun3303]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum ok just wondered

[@thomasrose7713]

Ditto mr Michael Mitchell s comment

[@pleasantwilliams6053]

Ask cropper who wrote sitting on the dock of the bay? If he answers he had anything to do with it you know he’s lying.

[@tw364]

Joe Chambers was a saint in the music business. Thank God for his Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, and these precious stories about Otis.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

T W, thank you for your kind words & continued support of the channel… it would have meant so much to dad. If you haven’t been to the museum, I hope you can visit. Best, Britt