Another excellent overview from Reelin’ in the Years is the
2007 Stax/Volt DVD release, “Dreams to Remember:
The Legacy of Otis Redding.” The 90-minute main feature
was complete with interviews and archival performance
footage, and this disc had an additional 20 minutes of
bonus interviews, including one with the founder of the
Stax/Volt label, Jim Stewart. Guitarist Steve Cropper,
Otis Redding’s widow, Zelma and his daughter, Karla were
also interviewed.
Redding’s voice was distinctive and soulful, conveying raw
emotions in his performances. I was particularly interested
in the conversation with Steve Cropper of Booker T. and
the M.G.s fame, who discussed his composing collaborations
with Redding (1941-1967) and trumpet player Wayne Jackson,
fleshing out songs and instrumental arrangements.
I’ve never been disappointed when watching DVDs from
Reelin’ in the Years productions and this one featured a
well-balanced combination of Otis Redding performances with
interviews and photos. Tragically, he died when he was only
26-years old, but the material on this disc provided me with
everything I needed to know, to understand why he was so
special. I highly recommend watching it.
