As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Otis Redding managed to change soul music forever in just five short years. Debuting on the legendary Stax Records in 1962, Redding combined the raw intensity of the blues, the gravitas of gospel, and the sweetness of pop. His early releases defined the hard-driving sound of southern soul, but he was also a masterful balladeer. A dynamic live performer, his appearances at '60s rock festivals helped to broaden soul's audience. He died in 1967 at the tragically young age of 26, but his songs have lost none of their funky and soulful power decades later.