Otis Redding- The Dock Of The Bay

Otis Redding- The Dock of The Bay (Volt/Atco Records)

Release Date (Released February 23, 1968)

The Dock of the Bay (1968) is a powerful and poignant posthumous release that captures Otis Redding at both his artistic peak and the edge of a new musical direction. Blending classic Memphis soul with a softer, more reflective sound, the album reveals a deeper introspective side, especially on the landmark title track. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” became the first posthumous No. 1 single in U.S. history, reshaping soul music by proving it could be gentle, spacious, and emotionally inward. The record balances tender ballads, gritty grooves, playful duets, and blues standards, showcasing Redding’s remarkable range. Backed by the Stax house band, the album preserves the rich Southern soul sound while hinting at creative paths he never got to explore. Its success cemented his legacy as a global icon and made the album one of the most important and influential posthumous releases in popular music history. (S5-EP 5)