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One of the most influential soul singers of the 1960s, Otis Redding exemplified to many listeners the power of Southern "deep soul" -- hoarse, gritty vocals, brassy arrangements, and an emotional way with both party tunes and aching ballads. He was also the most consistent exponent of the Stax sound, cutting his records at the Memphis label/studios that did much to update R&B into modern soul. His death at the age of 26 was tragic not just because he seemed on the verge of breaking through to a wide pop aud... Read More

Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and Little Richard

Al Green, Elvis Costello, Janis Joplin, Rod Stewart, Citizen Cope, Toots & The Maytals, Michael Bolton, Clarence Carter, The Blues Brothers, James Carr, The Rascals, Robert Cray, Z.Z. Hill, Chambers Brothers, Robert Palmer and The Box Tops