Discussion that happened at work. I say it's Otis Redding or Sam Cooke and that ends the conversation (sorry Ray). Am I forgetting anyone? Can anyone definitively pick between the two?

Otis Redding devotee' here ...

I love listening to Sam Cooke, but Otis is the greatest there ever was. Proof: performance at Monterey in '67. He blew the roof off the place. Came on after The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane and Booker T and the MGs, started playing "Shake" and stunned the whole crowd.

The debate starts at #2.

 

 

Otis Redding is #1.

That argument is resolved after the first 7 seconds of "These Arms Of Mine".

 

Otis for me as well. I'm kind of surprised though, if you asked me who most people would choose I would have been certain it would be Sam.

I guess my last question is getting answered. :lol:

 

On certain days I say Otis and then there are others where I pick Cooke. Guess it depends on my mood. I haven't heard many Cooke live performances so that might sway my vote. I agree with Getslow, Otis could blow the roof off a place.

 

This might be a better question, where does Otis rank among solo male artists in all genres?

Otis for me as well. I'm kind of surprised though, if you asked me who most people would choose I would have been certain it would be Sam.

I agree. I thought including him in with Cooke would have been considered the faux pas, not the other way around.

 

Among many people Otis seems to be known as the guy who sings "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay"...

The debate starts at #2.

 

 

Otis Redding is #1.

Is your #2 Cooke?

I've got 2 or 3 buddies who I know who would most definitely pick Mr. Cooke.

That argument is resolved after the first 7 seconds of "These Arms Of Mine".

 

Play "Bring It On Home to Me" and Cooke makes a good counter-point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This should not be seen as a post saying Cooke is better. I've already stated I can't pick.

Play "Bring It On Home to Me" and Cooke makes a good counter-point.

 

It does make a good counter-point...but Otis still wins, in my opinion.

Otis

Marvin

 

The rest. On that short list would have to be Levi Stubbs.

Otis

Marvin

 

The rest. On that short list would have to be Levi Stubbs.

No mention of Sam Cooke whatsoever? That cuts deep!

Otis

Marvin

 

The rest. On that short list would have to be Levi Stubbs.

 

No Sam Cooke at all? Interesting.

 

Levi would probably make my list of 5...top 10, no doubt. Sam Cooke would be my #2, and I'd have Solomon Burke or Mervin Gaye in #3 and #4, although I'm not sure which would go where. Smokey Robinson and Luther Vandross would be up there too.