The Song That Turned Otis Redding Into the Voice of Soul: The Story Behind “Try a Little Tenderness”

Some songs find new life in the hands of the right artist. Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness” is one of the greatest examples. Released in 1966, the song began as a gentle pop standard from the 1930s, but Redding transformed it into one of the most electrifying soul performances ever recorded. What had once been a sentimental ballad became a breathtaking journey from quiet emotion to joyful release.

The song’s origins were far removed from the sound of Southern soul. First popularized by Ray Noble’s New Mayfair Dance Orchestra, “Try a Little Tenderness” had already been recorded by several artists before Redding discovered it. Rather than simply covering the tune, he saw an opportunity to make it entirely his own. Working with Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Redding approached the song with patience, gradually building its emotion instead of revealing everything at once.

The recording session captured lightning in a bottle. It took only three takes to create the version the world would come to know, beginning with the unforgettable horn introduction. Trumpeter Wayne Jackson later remembered that the opening riff came straight from Redding in the moment, saying it “went into our hearts and onto that tape.” As the song unfolded, Redding’s voice grew from gentle reassurance into an explosion of passion, creating one of the most thrilling performances in soul music.

The impact was immediate. “Try a Little Tenderness” became Redding’s signature song and helped define the sound of Stax Records during one of its greatest creative periods. Label founder Jim Stewart later said the recording captured everything the label stood for, combining raw emotion, exceptional musicianship, and complete honesty in a single performance. It showed that soul music could be both deeply personal and overwhelmingly powerful.

Nearly sixty years later, “Try a Little Tenderness” remains one of the defining recordings of American music. Otis Redding took a forgotten standard and gave it a heartbeat that still feels alive today. More than just a classic soul song, it stands as a reminder that sometimes the greatest performances come from an artist brave enough to completely reinvent what came before.