Getting Respect: Louise Redding McClain and Her Brother, Otis Redding. An Oral History.

Louise Redding McClain is a retired Los Angeles Public Library librarian who continues to work as a substitute librarian. She is the oldest of six siblings and the sister of the great singer/songwriter Otis Redding. In this intimate oral history video she shares many fascinating and heartfelt stories about her family. She also reflects on her childhood while growing up during segregation in the South and the importance her father placed on getting an education, which he was denied. In the video she reveals untold stories about her brother Otis as a boy and his sudden rise to fame. Louise also discusses her career as a librarian with Los Angeles Public Library.

Пікірлер: 159

  • @goesjem
    @goesjem4 жыл бұрын

    A beautiful, well spoken lady. Her brother is one of my heroes!

  • @laserluver1
    @laserluver13 жыл бұрын

    Otis Redding is the greatest soul singer of all time.

  • @dianeedge7876
    @dianeedge78763 жыл бұрын

    Otis Redding is and always will be my favorite singer. ❤️

  • @glennmcallister2509
    @glennmcallister25093 жыл бұрын

    I remember where I was when I heard Otis had passed away. I was 18 years old sitting in a bar in Glasgow,Scotland . I was really upset because Otis Redding and Sam Cooke were my favourite singers. Still are to this day. I am now 71. Still playing their music most days.

  • @ericlamme6575
    @ericlamme65754 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this short sweet Otis bit. What a wonderful woman. Her brother lives forever and has songwriting and singing skills gifted by God. We get to hear him forever!

  • @joangabriel8111
    @joangabriel81113 жыл бұрын

    Otis looked so much like his dad,so sad to lose him I had always been a huge fan of Otis and still is,very nice of you to share that information, stay blessed and I wish his entire family God's richest blessings. Xxxxx

  • @47nola
    @47nola3 жыл бұрын

    The Imortal Otis Redding will live on FOREVER!

  • @manuginobilisbaldspot424
    @manuginobilisbaldspot4242 жыл бұрын

    She's made an impact on many many many lives in her own right. Entertainment is wonderful, but nothing is as valuable as education. Bless this wonderful woman.

  • @johnnyace1954
    @johnnyace19543 жыл бұрын

    Such a beautiful story about the Redding family

  • @bathie2636
    @bathie26366 жыл бұрын

    Otis was not only a genius, he was innovative, talented and had a complex understanding of black music!… His superb ability for writing simple songs into the highest quality music, was easy to understand, and enjoyable. That’s what genius do into the file they find themselves in. *He was the Soul deep filling inside the music; we call Soul Music.*

  • @warrendoris9669

    @warrendoris9669

    5 жыл бұрын

    @Bathie Well said! In tital agreement. I marvel still at how much stuff Otis invented musically! I still say he invented Disco with Cant turn you loose and hip hop with Tramp. Peace!

  • @garrettlatham2764

    @garrettlatham2764

    4 жыл бұрын

    I was nine when Otis died. I have never heard a artist whisper a entire song better than he can sing the words.

  • @annieragin1680
    @annieragin16805 жыл бұрын

    I really appreciate hearing about Otis Redding the person.

  • @jordanrioscreations

    @jordanrioscreations

    4 жыл бұрын

    Me too, how lovely this is

  • @elrolo3711
    @elrolo37115 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Louise.....The Otis name lives on....In 1971, a little boy was adopted in Vancouver BC. His adopting father was an aspiring singer from Cayman. The baby boy was named Otis after your brother. Otis and our daughter produced a little girl, our granddaughter. Otis subsequently died of drug o/d at age 22 when granddaughter was 3 yrs old. Our granddaughter's 4th child (2019) is a little boy and so naturally she named him Otis after her dad that she never got to know. There are lots of stories in every family, sometimes parts of them are sad memories but overall, the good prevails.

  • @1Cruzer4u
    @1Cruzer4u3 жыл бұрын

    Otis Redding, What a voice talent beyond belief. I recall my first time listening to Otis. It's the legendary performance at the Monterey Music Festival. Otis sings Loving You. When he hits that first verse "I've Been Loving You" chills!!!! The Richness of his voice the years of lifes challenges & set backs pour out. His voice connects to your soul. Such heart felt sincerity. It comes from years of pain heartache & joy. RIP Otis Redding

  • @richardwood1575
    @richardwood15753 жыл бұрын

    What a lovely lady, an inspiration. Otis had the voice of an angel.

  • @sherrywoody2142
    @sherrywoody21423 ай бұрын

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. God Bless you🙏❤ Rest In Peace Otis Redding🙏❤

  • @walkingtrails7776
    @walkingtrails77764 жыл бұрын

    Good looking and talented family.

  • @daryldarichuk2149
    @daryldarichuk21493 жыл бұрын

    My favorite of all time. I will continue to share his music with everyone who will listen. R.i.p true king of soul

  • @kimh5566
    @kimh55666 жыл бұрын

    I love the music of Otis Redding. Now, I love the work of big sister too! Thank you Ms. Louis Redding McClain. You did a beautiful job sharing these stories of your loving family and famous brother. I'm so happy you were able to obtain and thrive from the wonderful education so cherished by your father. May you enjoy your retirement after so many faithful years serving children and the public. Cheers to the LAPublic Library for posting this. Well done.

  • @MA-yh2ko
    @MA-yh2ko2 жыл бұрын

    I could listen to her all day.

  • @NewWorldRob
    @NewWorldRob5 жыл бұрын

    Beautifully she's aging. Loved this lifestory of Mr. Otis Redding

  • @allymayful
    @allymayful Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Louise. This is gold!!!! So good to know some of Otis’s background story via his family 😊

  • @esther94619
    @esther946192 жыл бұрын

    Ms McClain. We were 3 Chinese kids in Oakland, Ca 94608 in the 60s & loved Otis Redding. So happy to find this enjoyable video! Thank you!

  • @diamantiabalossantospromot3176
    @diamantiabalossantospromot31762 жыл бұрын

    I learned of otis from moms school days & started listening & loved him ever since, im 54

  • @beverlyjohnson4744
    @beverlyjohnson47444 жыл бұрын

    Its was sad when mrs louise passed away Otis looks just like his Daddy

  • @jimjackson4111

    @jimjackson4111

    3 жыл бұрын

    .......(Tears!).....I was hoping to contact her.....

  • @frankwise4776

    @frankwise4776

    3 жыл бұрын

    I met one of Otis sister and his wife at U.G.A. along with Jermaine Dupree's dad Michael Maulden

  • @lrod2470

    @lrod2470

    2 жыл бұрын

    Louise is my aunt (my dads sister).. She didnt pass away. My aunt Christine passed recently if that is who you are referring to..

  • @elmoelbow
    @elmoelbow4 жыл бұрын

    I too, teach for LAUSD. Otis and the Bar Kay’s spent their last day on earth in our home in Cleveland. My mother, Fannie Lewis, was Carlee Cunningham’s aunt. Carlee was named after his Uncle Carl, my father. The group came to our house before their final performance at Leo’s Casino. Matthew Kelly spent his last day in my room. We were friends from Memphis, and Otis’ valet.

  • @cherriphelps0108
    @cherriphelps01084 жыл бұрын

    This is awesome! RIP.... I Love Otis Redding! 💖🙏

  • @warrendoris9669
    @warrendoris96695 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful! Glad i got to hear this. We loved Otis_ i mean my entire high school class! Still do ! Most evocative and soulful voice ever_and a person who invented new.forms of r&b. The studio band he had t, me was to the.best band period. That format they perfected, with Steve Croppers.s guitar work and that brass! Plus Booker T and Isaac Hayes on piano and organ! I,d never heard anything like it. When i heard fa fa fa i knew.i was going to be a musician. His music was.the.heart and soul of our teenage years. Those were the days! Otis lives! Bless you SIS!🌹

  • @Kabeyavictoria
    @Kabeyavictoria3 жыл бұрын

    Glad she is here to tell his story

  • @jacquelinehd
    @jacquelinehd6 жыл бұрын

    Love it! Thank you Ms. McClain for sharing your story!!

  • @johnnysalazar2531
    @johnnysalazar25314 жыл бұрын

    I was only 6 when he past away i still love his music

  • @rrsp60

    @rrsp60

    3 жыл бұрын

    I know of every song that Otis sang. He is the epitome of soul music.

  • @LadyTLNM
    @LadyTLNM4 жыл бұрын

    This is a blessing. God bless you for sharing 🙏🏼

  • @russellblampied
    @russellblampied3 жыл бұрын

    Such a beautiful soul ,loved listening to her stories ,thank you Louise x

  • @antoinettegilbert9258
    @antoinettegilbert92582 жыл бұрын

    Mr. Otis Redding was sent from "God"from Heaven too teach ALL something for his short time on earth...😘🙏🏾💞 Rest Well my brotha in Christ thank U for ALL your beautiful music...🥰🌹🙏🏾💛💜💯

  • @partslig123
    @partslig1235 жыл бұрын

    Otis Redding is soul music.Plain and simple !!

  • @msladybirddream3451
    @msladybirddream34515 жыл бұрын

    Wonderful story thank YOU! ❤

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was so talented

  • @sandraatkins2539
    @sandraatkins2539 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you lovely lady for sharing your family history with us. Your beautiful, soothing voice is a joy to hear.

  • @lindalee6279
    @lindalee62796 жыл бұрын

    thank you so much Loiuse for sharing this information on your father Otis. Will forever Love him & his music. 8-20-18

  • @rrsp60

    @rrsp60

    2 жыл бұрын

    Otis, the singer was her brother.

  • @johnarpy
    @johnarpy3 жыл бұрын

    I was in 8th grade at West Junior High in Downey, CA. It was 1969 and the Librarian was very kind and I loved being in the library because of her. She was unbelievably kind but seemed sad. I was told she was Otis Redding's sister and he had died and that was why she was not as engaging. I don't know if it is true, but that librarian changed my life. My mother had died a few years before, and I thought if she can be so strong I can too. Her name wasn't Redding, but she changed my life.

  • @mariasmith7956
    @mariasmith79562 жыл бұрын

    That was well said Miss Otis I was just a baby when Otis started but I grew up on his music with my parents he was the greatest of all may he rest in heaven God bless you

  • @NoYoungCricket
    @NoYoungCricket4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for providing a backstory of Otis, I have always wanted to know more about him! I love him must to death. Listen to all his songs daily, with no exceptions. The only artist and songs I listen to faithfully. If only he was still alive, would have loved the opportunity to listen to more of his music.

  • @pishquet
    @pishquet4 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful ! Thank you 🙏

  • @bioux101
    @bioux1014 жыл бұрын

    What a truly lovely film.

  • @diamantiabalossantospromot3176
    @diamantiabalossantospromot31762 жыл бұрын

    Ottis and his dad was twins! Wow what a family i would of loved to of known them

  • @ValerieGriner
    @ValerieGriner4 ай бұрын

    This was just beautiful! I loved the tribute and I LOVE Otis Redding's music!

  • @TheBlackTinkerBell
    @TheBlackTinkerBell3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for making this video not much about him on KZread

  • @stupendousmusic4190
    @stupendousmusic41904 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely lovely!

  • @Rebone
    @Rebone Жыл бұрын

    In South Africa, we collected Otis' LPs, and later, tape cassettes and made our own little playlists at friends' houses and clubs, and man his soul explosion helped cushioned us from the ravages of apartheid. You were considered a soul music amateur if your LP collection did not have the Big O's music. Thank you for posting.®®®

  • @wblk
    @wblk4 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video

  • @pamelaclark5611
    @pamelaclark56115 жыл бұрын

    Thank you hon. Just beautiful.

  • @bobmangal1533
    @bobmangal15333 жыл бұрын

    Maybe He was not known everywhere but Otis is still a legend in all of the Caribbean especially Suriname to date 2020 on every radio station and golden oldies parties and selections

  • @merkjanoosterhoff1590

    @merkjanoosterhoff1590

    2 жыл бұрын

    Otis was world famous!

  • @dalethfoster4907
    @dalethfoster49072 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Louise for your beautiful telling of you family story. You are very lovely, and your story makes me feel a lot of emotions.

  • @Bertoliable
    @Bertoliable2 жыл бұрын

    My favorit artist all time !!! The album live in Europe offcourse i have that one also. My personel best song .. My lovers prayer ❤️❤️

  • @TempeSoldier123
    @TempeSoldier1232 ай бұрын

    She seems like such a sweet lady. She’s still alive, 87 years young.

  • @houseofmol6627
    @houseofmol66276 жыл бұрын

    Such a wonderful story!!!

  • @reddeserted13
    @reddeserted1310 ай бұрын

    Remarkable. Excellent oral history about growing up in the South at that time.

  • @sprout08able
    @sprout08able4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this beautiful film. I am one of Otis's fans. He touched me when I was a young woman and I am indebted.

  • @joangabriel8111
    @joangabriel81113 жыл бұрын

    Very interesting

  • @greghoward3435
    @greghoward34353 жыл бұрын

    What an amazing man and an amazing family!!!

  • @joangabriel6718
    @joangabriel67185 ай бұрын

    Your mom and dad were very beautiful and handsome no wonder OTIS was a still is everybody's favourite,Otis will remain my favourite,he had an awesome voice which i frequently listen to.RIP.NUFF LOVE TO OTIS'ENTIRE FAMILY ❤❤

  • @abdoulka4046
    @abdoulka40465 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Madam. We have very much appreciated your sharing your family ' s story.

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was so sosososososos gifted

  • @camarogoddess1391
    @camarogoddess13915 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your story!

  • @tjvanderloop1686
    @tjvanderloop16863 жыл бұрын

    Otis Redding was so much like "Chadwick Boseman" as both are in Heaven and left this Earth way too-early; God Bless Otis Redding & Chadwick Boseman - Great Artists in a Christian Lifestyle! Marvelous Leaders & Mentors! Thomas J. Vanderloop, Author, Technology-Educator & Industry Consultant

  • @berthonpowell7366
    @berthonpowell7366 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this up close narrative of your family life.. ❤

  • @LIE11Bldg7
    @LIE11Bldg73 жыл бұрын

    "THESE... TEARS... OF... MINE.. THEY ARE FALLING" this is how I feel when I hear the great Otis Redding sing. "Stirs the soul and it clutches the heart" Ms. Redding McClain My name is Dave and I would like to personally let you know how grateful it is to hear your brother's music I'm in my mid-fifties I've been an Otis Redding fan for some 35 years. And exactly how Steve Cropper mentioned his hair stood on the back of his neck and on his arms when he first heard Otis sing.. I felt exactly the same Otis naturally had vocal superpowers that will stand the test of time never to be equaled or proceded in any lifetime

  • @Riogi
    @Riogi2 ай бұрын

    What a great honor to view this video.

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was a genius

  • @cookiegilcrest1000
    @cookiegilcrest10002 жыл бұрын

    GOT ME THROUGH THE VIETNAM ERA. "SITTING ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY!" ALL OF HIS MUSIC.

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was so sosososososos underrated

  • @dianagill4950
    @dianagill49502 жыл бұрын

    My sister heart was broken when he died. She loved listening to him everyday. God bless your family. His memory lives on in his soulful voice.❤🙏

  • @joangabriel6718

    @joangabriel6718

    11 ай бұрын

    YOU ARE SO RIGHT,JOAN WAS AND STILL IS A GREAT FAN OF OTIS RAY REDDING,MAY HIS SOUL RIP

  • @THENUCODE
    @THENUCODE3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing the wonderful memories, and don't be afraid of doing another diary, maybe a book

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was fabulous

  • @maryzambrana7141
    @maryzambrana71412 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so very much for your video. Such great memories that you have shared with us. 🎶

  • @joangabriel6718
    @joangabriel67182 жыл бұрын

    Lovely family,Otis was my favourite simger 🙏🙏🙏

  • @magdielbetancourt5164
    @magdielbetancourt51642 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your time,my respects to you

  • @deborahbryant2779
    @deborahbryant27794 жыл бұрын

    Dang, Otis Redding father was fine too! Education is very important. And he made sure his children got that. Parents look forward to seeing their graduate. I know I did!!

  • @7th_Heaven
    @7th_Heaven9 ай бұрын

    Valued video. Thank you for so much for sharing it. Thrifty inspirational family

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was so sosososososos bless

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was so sosososososos brilliant

  • @barbaramaxwell8876
    @barbaramaxwell88763 ай бұрын

    Beautiful parents. I enjoyed your inspirational and encouraging words❤

  • @paulmakali8254
    @paulmakali8254 Жыл бұрын

    Dear mum, I am very excited to watch this clip. How I wish you visit your bigger family in Mombasa Kenya, East Afrika coz we just want to HUG YOU!! More importantly your late brother was a celeb in this part of the world!!God bless!

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was fantastic

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was so sosososososos extraordinary

  • @annlightbourne9522
    @annlightbourne95224 жыл бұрын

    This is a beautiful story about the Redding family, pretty family and Otis look just like his dad. I love you Otis. May his soul rest in peace. Thanks for sharing some of y'all life story.. Nice

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was so sosososososos phenomenal

  • @losmit2194
    @losmit21943 ай бұрын

    Look at the pic of mom and dad twi words explains...... REAL CLASS

  • @rogerwalden6523
    @rogerwalden65235 жыл бұрын

    Loved ut!!!! Soulfully, Alan Walden

  • @RixRunIt
    @RixRunIt2 жыл бұрын

    Amazing!

  • @sweetapplepie70
    @sweetapplepie705 жыл бұрын

    HELLO QUEEN I APPRECIATE U AN YOUR BROTHER OTIS AMAZING LIKE U.❤❤👼👼👼💕💕 RIP STANDS FOR REPLACEMENT ISN'T POSSIBLE NEVER WITH MY HANDSOME OTIS REDDING 😥😥😥💕❤💋💋

  • @kevinwilliams5218
    @kevinwilliams52185 жыл бұрын

    thanks for this on the Big O from his Sister Ms. Louise a Fan in Georgia Big O was the Man.

  • @zzzzgirl9600
    @zzzzgirl96002 ай бұрын

    She is as lovely as she comes across. She was my neighbor in Culver City! I remember she had a dog called Khadafi. It was an Afghan. It's so good to see her.

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was a legend

  • @zaneturner4478
    @zaneturner44785 жыл бұрын

    Thanks from a fan of the man.

  • @lionden406
    @lionden4063 жыл бұрын

    In school I used to call myself Otis redding sang all his songs became a muscian cos of his influence still muscian up day ,called daughter zelma Otis was and still is my greatest inspiration.

  • @luvluvbooboo4043
    @luvluvbooboo40434 жыл бұрын

    WOW Thank miss sweetie beautiful pie.💖❣💖 beautiful story about your family and Big🏺0ttis gone but not and never will be forgotten yes ottis was here before because what ottis was singing about back than 26yrs old men mind's was not there the SONG'S he was singing was of a man of 40yrs and older and Beyond he was singing about luv what older men experience and been though no 26yrs old back int those day's was not experiencing luv like that💔💖the heart breaks he sang about luv the goodness of luv it was like a 50yrs old man singing about their past and present luv wow amazing his voice sound like a older man.🔥🔥ottis set the place on fire🔥🔥☜☛we're every he went.

  • @TheBluesmanBlue
    @TheBluesmanBlue3 жыл бұрын

    My first Otis Redding album was Otis Redding live at the Monterey Pop Festival it was a two-sided album the great Jimi Hendrix was on side 1 and onside 2 was the great Otis Redding the album was released in 1967 and I'm telling you my mom and dad brought that album home and that's the day they did not get any sleep that album I played it day and night as I was learning to play the drums I'm in my 50s now and I'm still not tired of hearing a Otis Redding Record and yes to all who are fans of Otis Redding he was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 for his hard work and dedication to the music world and I also enjoyed the music of the Son and nephew of Otis Redding r&b group called the reddings I adore that album called The Awakening and it goes to show the talent was passed on and the reading are a talented family and for you miss redding you look just like your mom and yes Otis Redding look just like his dad and thank you for your hard dedication to education this one for you🌹

  • @rrsp60
    @rrsp602 жыл бұрын

    I used to get up close to the speakers when Otis sang. It brought chills to the body when he "worried" a line, and don't talk about those horns responding. I was relieved when Ms. Louise didn't discuss his tragic death. I have every Otis album. That photo with Otis on his knees with the horn section in the background is the epitome of soul.

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    This is a masterpiece

  • @sheilapalmer224
    @sheilapalmer2243 жыл бұрын

    He was incredible