Ole Man Trouble
Encyclopedia
"Ole Man Trouble" is a song written by Otis Redding
and the first track from his 1965 album Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
. It was released as the B-side to his hit single "Respect", the second track from Otis Blue. The song is a sign of Redding's emerging mature and reflective side that was to culminate in his posthumous single "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay
". "Ole Man Trouble" was also released on Redding's posthumous album The Dock of the Bay
.
As the "Dock of the Bay" represents a search for a place to settle down and find peace or a home, an "Ole Man" is used as a personification for the trouble that can find a person after they have already endured it for some part of their life.
Crafted as a blues song with a classic soul melody set to country overtones, "Ole Man Trouble" helped Redding capture the growing white blues/soul market. The song was covered by a group called Hills Barbata Ethridge on their album L.A. Getaway in 1971, and by the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
.
Otis Redding
Otis Ray Redding, Jr. was an American soul singer-songwriter, record producer, arranger and talent scout. He is considered one of the major figures in soul and R&B...
and the first track from his 1965 album Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul is the third studio album by soul singer Otis Redding, released September 15, 1965 on Stax Records. Most recording sessions took place in April and July 1965 at Stax Recording Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. The album is considered by many critics to be Redding's...
. It was released as the B-side to his hit single "Respect", the second track from Otis Blue. The song is a sign of Redding's emerging mature and reflective side that was to culminate in his posthumous single "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay
(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay
" The Dock of the Bay" is a song co-written by soul singer Otis Redding and guitarist Steve Cropper. It was first recorded by Otis Redding in 1967, just days before his death. It was released posthumously on Stax Records' Volt label in 1968, becoming the first posthumous number-one single in U.S...
". "Ole Man Trouble" was also released on Redding's posthumous album The Dock of the Bay
The Dock of the Bay
-Chart positions:-External links:*...
.
As the "Dock of the Bay" represents a search for a place to settle down and find peace or a home, an "Ole Man" is used as a personification for the trouble that can find a person after they have already endured it for some part of their life.
Crafted as a blues song with a classic soul melody set to country overtones, "Ole Man Trouble" helped Redding capture the growing white blues/soul market. The song was covered by a group called Hills Barbata Ethridge on their album L.A. Getaway in 1971, and by the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion are an American alternative rock trio, formed in 1991 and based out of New York City, New York. The band consists of Judah Bauer on guitar, backing vocals, harmonica and occasional lead vocals, Russell Simins on drums and Jon Spencer on vocals, guitar and theremin...
.
Chart history
| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Black Singles Chart | #4 |
| 1965 | Pop Singles Chart Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
#35 |
| 1965 | Italian Singles Chart | #60 |
External links
- [ Song review at Allmusic.com]