Status and Death: Was Otis Redding Ever Alive and How Did He Die?
Otis Redding was alive and an active recording artist from his birth in 1941 until his death on December 10, 1967. He died in a plane crash on Lake Monona near Madison, Wisconsin, while traveling to a concert in Cleveland, Ohio. The small twin-engine Beechcraft H18 ran into severe weather and crashed shortly after takeoff, killing Redding and six others. His death at age 26 cut short a career that had already reshaped soul music, leaving a legacy sustained by released recordings and enduring influence.
Life and Career Overview
Born September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, Otis Redding moved with his family to Macon, Georgia, during childhood. He began singing in church and local groups before signing with Stax Records’ Volt label in 1962. His powerful baritone, blend of gospel and blues, and charismatic stage presence made him a standout Southern soul performer. Key hits such as “These Arms of Mine,” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” and “Try a Little Tenderness” established a commercial and artistic foundation that grew rapidly through the mid-1960s.
Breakthrough and Mainstream Crossover
Redding’s crossover success arrived with “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” recorded in 1967. Released after his death, it became a number-one pop and R&B hit and one of the best-selling singles of the era. Before the crash, he was planning a broader push into mainstream markets and had already begun performing at prominent venues and festivals. His work with producer Jim Stewart and songwriter Steve Cropper created a distinctive sound rooted in emotional delivery and meticulous arrangements.
Plane Crash Details and Circumstances
On December 10, 1967, Redding and members of his repertoire boarded a Beechcraft H18 operated by the Cornelius Brothers Flying Service for a flight from Madison, Wisconsin, to Cleveland, Ohio. The plane encountered adverse weather, including low clouds and high winds, during its initial climb from Truax Field. It crashed into Lake Monona a short distance from the airport, eliminating the pilot and all aboard. Investigations highlighted pilot inexperience with the aircraft and challenging weather as primary factors, though mechanical failure was not confirmed.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | December 10, 1967 | Official reports and news archives |
| Location of crash | Lake Monona, Madison, Wisconsin, United States | Aviation and local records |
| Aircraft | Beechcraft H18 twin-engine plane | Aviation registry and operator logs |
| Victims | 7 fatalities (Redding + 6 others) | Investigation and passenger lists |
| Age at death | 26 years old | Biographical records |
| Intended destination | Cleveland, Ohio (concert) | Itinerary and booking documents |
Musical Legacy and Influence
Despite his short career, Otis Redding’s catalog has remained influential across genres and decades. His recordings became foundational for soul, R&B, rock, and funk, with covers and samples extending his reach into pop and hip-hop. Inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and numerous best-of lists reflect consistent recognition. Posthumous releases and compilations have kept his music accessible, while documentaries and books continue to contextualize his impact on American music and culture.
Key Released Works and Year
- “These Arms of Mine” (1964)
- “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” (1965)
- “Respect” (1965)
- “Try a Little Tenderness” (1966)
- “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” (1968, posthumous)
Continued Relevance
Questions about Otis Redding’s status often arise because his public timeline effectively ended in 1967, yet his recordings remain prominent in streaming, sampling, and performance. His influence on later artists and producers demonstrates how an abbreviated career can yield long-term cultural impact. Historical accounts, music journalism, and aviation records consistently confirm his death as a factual event that shaped the trajectory of soul music and its commercial evolution.
Summary of Key Facts
Otis Redding was alive and recording music from the early 1960s until December 10, 1967, when he died in a plane crash at age 26. Verified details include the location (Lake Monona, Wisconsin), aircraft (Beechcraft H18), fatalities (7 total), and career milestones such as “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” His death marked the end of his active career but not his influence, which continues to resonate in contemporary music.