In memory of Otis, let’s ‘Try a Little Tenderness’

By Jessica Walden – Macon Telegraph

It wasn’t supposed to end the way it did Dec. 10, 1967.

After all, he was only 26 years old. He had a family with young children. He had a wife and managers who considered him their soul mate. He was just beginning to ascend to the top of the world and had rabid fans in Europe, the United States and of course, his hometown of Macon to take with him. And he had this song, “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” just laid down in the studio that he couldn’t get out of his head.

But according to him, he had to go. He had a job to do, even if the weather conditions were questionable for flying. The fans were waiting for him up north in Ohio and Wisconsin.

Forty-three years later, there are many of us who never knew Otis Redding but still wonder why he is not here. Or what it would be like if he was still here. We never got the chance to witness that 40-watt smile and hip-shaking soul in person, but we feel something we just can’t explain every time his lyrics get into our gut.

Who was this giant of a man? Who was this powerhouse who sings “Merry Christmas, Baby,” in a way that can melt the snow off the most frigid heart? Who was the man behind the “Love Man,” “Mr. Pitiful” and the self-assured lover in “Tramp” who can still make young girls swoon and old men dance? Who was the one who romanced millions of hearts with “These Arms of Mine” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (to Stop Now)”?

Who he was is Macon’s son.

Today is the day the plane went down. And today is the day we have dreams to remember. But let’s try something different than just reflecting on the life and legacy of Otis Redding. In memory of this great person, even if it’s just today, let’s “Try a Little Tenderness.”

There are children in this community who don’t believe in Santa Claus because they’ve never had a hero to believe in. There are elderly who are forgotten and the sick who just need a gentle touch. People are cold. Families are hungry. Let’s try a little tenderness.

Check out the great work the Redding family is doing through the Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation to continue the legacy and instill a little tenderness in the budding musicians of today.

And look within your own home — at your own weary loved one — and pay attention to the gospel of Otis Redding. Hold her. Squeeze her. Never leave her. Now get to her. We can keep peace in our families. We’ve just gotta, gotta try a little tenderness.

Jessica Walden is the director of communications for the College Hill Alliance and a member of the Bragg Jam board of directors.