Otis Redding.
The first artist to posthumously reach the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 was Otis Redding with his song “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” in 1968.
Otis Redding was a highly influential soul singer and songwriter known for his powerful voice and emotional delivery. On December 10, 1967, Redding tragically died in a plane crash at the age of 26, along with several members of his band, The Bar-Kays. Just days before his death, he had recorded “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”, a song that would become one of the most iconic tracks in music history.
The song was released posthumously on January 8, 1968, and it quickly gained popularity. On March 16, 1968, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Redding the first artist to achieve this milestone after death. The song remained at the top of the chart for four weeks and later won two Grammy Awards.
What made “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” particularly special was its departure from Redding’s usual style. Unlike his more traditional, gospel-influenced soul recordings, this song had a laid-back, almost folk-like feel, with a whistling outro that added a unique touch. The lyrics, which spoke of contemplation and longing, took on an even deeper meaning following Redding’s untimely passing.
Since Redding, several other artists have also achieved posthumous No. 1 hits, including John Lennon, The Notorious B.I.G., and Juice WRLD. However, Redding’s achievement was groundbreaking, marking a somber yet historic moment in the history of popular music.
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