The Soul of Otis

August 15, 1965 – Otis Redding: Respect b/w Ole Man Trouble (Volt 45-128) single is released in the US

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"Respect" is a song written and originally released by Otis Redding in 1965. While Redding’s version was a plea from a desperate man willing to give his woman anything in exchange for respect, Aretha Franklin’s 1967 cover transformed it into a bold anthem of female empowerment.

Redding had originally written the track for Speedo Sims and the Singing Demons, but after their session faltered, he sped up the rhythm, rewrote the lyrics, and recorded it himself. The single was featured on his landmark third studio album, Otis Blue (1965), which broadened his reach beyond traditional R&B audiences.

Upon release, "Respect" reached the Top 5 on Billboard’s Black Singles Chart and crossed over to pop radio, peaking at #35. It became Redding’s second biggest crossover hit at the time (after “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”), paving the way for his wider success. The song gained further fame after his performance at the Monterey Pop Festival (1967).