Otis Redding Live at the Whisky a Go Go (1966)

Otis Redding Live at the Whisky a Go Go (1966): The Soul Performance That Changed Music History

ATCO Records 1968  ‎– SD 33-265

notes:

In April 1966, Otis Redding took the stage at the Whisky a Go Go 

on the Sunset Strip—and delivered a series of performances that 

would change the trajectory of soul music forever.

Over three electrifying nights, Redding introduced his raw Southern 

sound to a predominantly white rock audience, helping bridge 

a cultural divide and laying the groundwork for his crossover success. 

These historic shows would later form the basis of the iconic live album 

In Person at the Whisky a Go Go.

At the time, the Whisky a Go Go was known for hosting rock acts and 

attracting a young, countercultural crowd. Soul artists rarely performed 

there, making Redding’s booking both unusual and risky., Redding delivered 

high-energy sets that captivated audiences unfamiliar with Southern soul. 

His emotional delivery, commanding stage presence, and ability to 

connect with the crowd quickly turned skepticism into admiration.

These performances marked a turning point—not just for Redding, 

but for the wider acceptance of soul music in mainstream (and largely white) venues.

The shows, held from April 8 to 10, 1966, were recorded live, capturing the

 intensity and spontaneity of Redding’s performances. However, the album 

In Person at the Whisky a Go Go wasn’t released until 1968, after his tragic death.

The recording stands out for its raw authenticity. Unlike polished studio albums, 

it immerses listeners in the atmosphere of the venue—complete with crowd 

reactions, improvisation, and extended grooves.

credits:

Recorded over three nights in April 1966, the band was a ten-piece revue 

led by saxophonist Robert Holloway. 

The lineup included:

Guitar: James Young

Bass: Ralph Stewart

Drums: Elbert Woodson

Keyboards: Katie Webster

Horns: A full section including Robert Holloway, Sammy Coleman, and John Farris.

Otis Redding – vocals

Released Oct 1968

Recorded Whisky a Go Go, Sunset Strip, 

Los Angeles, CA, April 8, 9 & 10, 1966

Wally Heider: Recording Engineer (Heider was a pioneer of 

remote recording and operated the mobile truck used for these sessions).

Bill Halverson: Assistant Engineer

Supervised By – Nesuhi Ertegun

Track listing:

A1 I Can't Turn You Loose

Written-By – Redding 4:43

A2 Pain In My Heart

Written-By – Neville 2:11

A3 Just One More Day

Written-By – McEvoy/Robinson*, Redding*, Cropper* 5:07

A4 Mr. Pitiful

Written-By – Redding*, Cropper*

2:07

A5 (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

Written-By – Jagger/Richards*

4:36

B1 I'm Depending On You

Written-By – Redding*

3:01

B2 Any Ole Way

Written-By – Redding*, Cropper*

2:34

B3 These Arms Of Mine

Written-By – Redding*

3:54

B4 Papa's Got A Brand New Bag

Written-By – Brown*

4:38

B5 Respect

Written-By – Redding*

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