Otis Redding: An Unfinished Life Hardcover – May 16, 2017

It’s well reviewed, thorough, and he didn’t have this one yet. So all good we both love Otis Redding.

Much of a shared approach with Gould's previous Beatles bio, "Can't Buy Me Love," Gould focuses not just on Otis Redding but the times in which he lived and the world he inherited. Doing so, while structurally daring - Redding, after the first chapter, doesn't make much of an appearance until nearly halfway into the book - this is highly effective. Providing this context explains the actions of every person examined but also serves to underscore just how decisive an artist Redding was.This book is an improvement, to my mind, over Gould's very enjoyable Beatles bio in one respect; here, he spends far less time describing the sound of each song examined. In the Beatles bio, this was like describing one's own face, so familiar are the songs covered. Here, Gould seems to have more confidence that less description works better.The reader comes away with an appreciation for the African American experience in the South, the achievement of the Stax label (and its limitations) and, above all, the towering status of Otis Redding as an artist.

An aptly titled biography, because his life was indeed unfinished. In fact, it could be said his professional singing career had just entered a new plateau. His best-selling song, Dock of the Bay was just completed before the tragic plane crash that took the life of Otis Redding. It was released posthumously to great fanfare selling a million copies and hitting number one on the charts. With this sweeping biography we get the details of Otis Redding’s life and his rise to become the King of Soul; firmly situated in the social dynamics that were at play in America, and the south, specifically Georgia. The author does an adequate job of setting the social table and is fair in describing the paternalistic attitude that existed amongst whites in reference to Blacks in Otis’s hometown of Macon.He extends this impartiality while writing about the music business, white managers and Black talent. The prose is steady, giving you a real sense of what it was like to make records, tour the country and compete with other artists of your time. In Otis Redding’s case he had to contend with the star of James Brown, Little Richard briefly and Sam Cooke who died three years earlier than Otis. Otis had remarked after learning of Sam Cooke’s untimely passing, “I want to fill the silent vacuum that was left when Sam Cooke died.” As this biography details, Otis did indeed fill that vacuum. If you’ve ever heard any Otis Redding record, you would know why his voice is the one most identified with ‘soul.’ If you haven’t heard any song from Otis Redding, I would suggest buying this book and as the songs are being described listen to them and see if you can feel the author’s intense descriptions of horns, keyboards and drums, and how they combine with voice to make a great or bad recording.It isn't necessary to be an Otis Redding fan to enjoy this biography, if you are a music fan, young or old and always wondered about the term 'soul music' this is certainly not a bad place to begin.

Gould’s in-depth look at the life of Otis Redding is certainly the best we’ve seen so far and, given the sparse nature of Redding interviews and the advancing age of folks who knew him well, unlikely to be topped. The author fastidiously situates Redding’s life in the context of American social and musical history, never shies away from tough questions, and diverges (with solid support) from previous analyses, especially where the decline of Stax is concerned. In addition, surveying his acknowledgement and sources, one would be hard-pressed to name someone or something Gould failed to consult. His lack of sentimentality and adherence to balance pays great dividends when he presents us with a picture of Otis and the human milieu that nurtured him, supported him, collaborated with him, and looked out for his interests. Also? It’s very well-written, extremely readable and marred by only a modicum of factual errors. Highly recommended.

Only August and already I'm convinced Otis Redding: An Unfinished Life will be my pick for music bio of the year. True, Otis is my all-time favorite singer. Also true this book delivers an honest, richly detailed and straightforward account of his life and the world around him.The rise and glory of Otis is woven with the music biz and national race relations of the time. Can't separate these components. Facets of a superb diamond, each aspect is a genuine marvel.It's likely I've read every Otis bio to date. No need to ever read another after this.Please do yourself a favor and get this book. Your appreciation will significantly increase for Otis, the magic of Stax/Volt, and the loving interaction of black and white performers who cared only for the music during a deeply segregated period of our nation.

I knew a little about the great soul singer, but the author gave me so much more, in context and filled in the details of his life, in a meticulous and scholarly work- also he connected the music with the man.

I bought this during my pandemic book buying spree. I have not finished, but i am working my way through this book. The print is fairly small and it is filled with lots of content that gives a flavor of the times and the life of a great musical artist. I will update my review once I finish the book. Been busy despite being mostly at home!

Good book well written plenty of information

A wonderful book. Thank you Jonathan.

Good , even handed telling of Otis Redding's life. Lots of details about the sessions at Stax (which as a musician, I appreciated) and lots of critical commentary on the tracks themselves (which I liked less). If you are a soul music fan, you'll appreciate this book.

Bought for my father in law. He said it is a fantastic read. Highly recommend. Fast and efficient service

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