The Impressions: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1991

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-impressions/bio/

Official Site:

http://the-impressions.com/

Their career in links.

They formed in 1958. Originally called The Roosters, they delved into R&B, doo-wop, gospel, and soul. Their work served to inspire the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

For Your Precious Love (1958):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brKeKWod_G0

Jerry Butler left the group for a solo career. Curtis Mayfield became the lead singer.

Gypsy Woman (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wd4tlX5t-Q

It’s All Right (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMWlhErzOPo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnZ9wOlDxG0

Mayfield decided to explore black nationalism.

Keep on Pushing (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfGsTx3xtdI

Amen (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j37aGQh2-ZA

People Get Ready (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTL9myUqLMs

Woman’s Got Soul (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aADMrUiSXQ

We’re a Winner (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HKoOYdhkq0

There is a definite musical transition to the 70s going on here:

Choice of Colors (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNV1Y01xNk8

Message songs continue…

Check Out Your Mind (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HxvRoqDefI

Mayfield left the Impressions after 1970.

Finally Got Myself Together (I’m a Changed Man) (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiS5L-WCthQ&feature=related

Sooner of Later (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsoxFAl3pUQ

Same Thing Took it Over (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpSepMzM_pY

Loving Power (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbdL85lh96M

Sunshine (1976):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJAYTYfrCUY

This Time (1976):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zawBxPuYDyk

I Ain’t Gonna Stand for It (with Eric Clapton and Billy Preston) (2001):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkgEZa7lDHw&ob=av2e

Otis Redding: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1989

His career and life in links.

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/otis-redding/bio/

Official Site:
http://www.otisredding.com/70intro/intro.html

Otis won a talent show 15 consecutive weeks leading entry into show business.

First single:

Shout Bamalama (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2NyEBmrWCU

These Arms of Mine (1962):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-FQL-tJ3ic

Mr. Pitiful (1963):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT_PdnGRukw

Shake (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohkFgdCE2yQ

His first big hit (written with Jerry Butler):

I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqaOp7sIy0w

Respect (1965):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JGJXmpKGXY

Try A Little Tenderness (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dael4sb42nI

At the Monterey Pop Festival (1967): His last major performance…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHXutgxpjgU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBiUFhYMu2s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX2vcxO-0_8&feature=related

His health deteriorated after Monterey. He had surgery to remove polyps. Otis also fought with his record company.

Tramp w/Carla Thomas (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP7VU6AVIgc

Redding died in a plane crash on December 10, 1967.

Posthumous releases:

(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzrXc68gNjQ

Hard to Handle (1968):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZxN9iQM7OY

Merry Christmas Baby (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEyV8gnC4aQ

You Left the Water Running (1976):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8hoAO3jpL0

Otis featured prominently in The Commitments (1991):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTVkk4GSmNA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX2vcxO-0_8&feature=related