The Reddings: Funk and Soul's Family Legacy
The Reddings are an American funk and soul band formed by the sons of legendary singer Otis Redding. Hailing from Macon, Georgia, the group carved their own path in the 1980s with a modernized funk sound. Their biggest commercial success came with the 1980 single "Remote Control," which became a dance floor staple and chart hit.
Early career
The band was formed in 1978 by brothers Dexter Redding (bass, vocals) and Otis Redding III (guitar, vocals), later joined by cousin Mark Locket on drums. Growing up immersed in their father's musical empire at the famed Stax Records, they were determined to establish their own identity. They signed with Believe In A Dream Records, a label founded by their mother Zelma Redding, releasing their self-titled debut album "The Reddings" in 1979.
Breakthrough
The Reddings achieved their mainstream breakthrough in 1980 with their sophomore album, "The Awakening." The album's lead single, "Remote Control," propelled them to national attention. It climbed to No. 89 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a massive hit on the R&B and dance charts, driving the album's sales and establishing their signature electro-funk style.
Key tracks
Remote Control — This synth-driven funk track was their biggest hit, defining their 1980s sound and earning heavy rotation on black radio and in clubs.
Can't Stand to See You Go — A smooth soul ballad from their debut that showcased their vocal harmonies and direct connection to their father's legacy.
Call the Law — A later-period track from 1985 that demonstrated their continued relevance in the funk genre with sharp social commentary.
She's a Star — An upbeat, boogie-oriented single that highlighted their ability to craft catchy, danceable pop-funk crossovers.
Following "The Awakening," The Reddings remained prolific throughout the 1980s. They released albums like "Steamin' Hot" (1981), "Class" (1985), and "If Looks Could Kill" (1988) on their own Believe In A Dream label. Their music consistently blended contemporary drum machine rhythms and synthesizers with live bass and guitar, a hallmark of the post-disco funk era. They also collaborated with artists like saxophonist Ronnie Laws, further cementing their place in the funk community.
Fans of The Reddings' blend of classic soul roots and 1980s funk innovation should also explore The Time for their sharp, synth-based funk grooves. The melodic soul-funk of Ready For The World shares a similar era and approach. The polished production and harmonies of The Deele, another family-linked group, also offer a comparable sound. For the foundational Southern soul influence, listen to the classics of their father, Otis Redding.
The Reddings' catalog remains a fixture on specialized radio formats. Their hits are frequently played on classic R&B and funk radio stations, as well as on online radio streams dedicated to 1980s dance music and soul revivals. Independent music radio stations with a focus on legacy artists often feature their deep cuts alongside their father's timeless work.
The music of The Reddings, a key act in 1980s funk, can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their influential tracks and family legacy through the classic soul and funk radio stations available on onairium.com.
