Otis Redding - The Complete Stax/Volt Singles Collection

Although his career was cut short by a tragic plane crash in 1967, Otis’ impact is still being felt. An emotional singer who brought gruff, syncopated whoops and hollers to aching ballads and ecstatic upbeat numbers alike, Redding epitomized soul music for many people and was a favorite of both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Hip-hop artists have long sampled his sound. Last year, Kanye and Jay-Z won a Grammy Award for their hit “Otis,” which highlighted his gritty vocals, and recently Justin Timberlake sang “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” at the White House, joined by President Obama and his wife Michelle. Now the imaginatively packaged 3-CD set, The Complete Stax/Volt Singles Collection, celebrates Otis’ rich legacy. Featuring all of his hits, including “Respect” and “Try a Little Tenderness,” it’s a fitting tribute to the King of Soul.