Otis Redding, the “King of Soul,” tragically died in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, at the age of 26. Just days earlier, he had recorded “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” a song that would posthumously become his biggest hit. The crash occurred near Madison, Wisconsin, in Lake Monona, killing Redding and six others, including members of his backing band, the Bar-Kays. Only one survivor, Bar-Kays member Ben Cauley, managed to escape the wreckage.
🛩️ The Final Flight
The Beechcraft H18 aircraft, piloted by Richard Fraser, was en route from Cleveland to Madison for a scheduled performance. Despite poor weather conditions, the flight proceeded. Approximately four miles from the runway, the plane crashed into Lake Monona. The cause of the crash remains undetermined, but the tragic event ended the life of one of soul music’s brightest stars.
🕊️ A Legacy Cut Short
Redding’s death was a profound loss to the music world. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was released in January 1968 and became the first posthumous No. 1 single in U.S. chart history. Redding’s soulful voice and emotive performances continue to influence artists today.
🏛️ Memorials and Tributes
In honor of Redding’s legacy, memorials have been established. A plaque in Madison marks the site of the crash, and a statue stands in his hometown of Macon, Georgia. These tributes celebrate his contributions to music and his enduring impact on soul and R&B genres.