It was 50 years ago today – one of the all-time great live albums, Otis Redding Live In Europe was released on the legendary Stax/Volt label. It was Redding's first live album as well as the only live album released during his lifetime – and in fact, the last album of his to be released during his lifetime. He died five months later,  on December 10, 1967. Recorded during Stax/Volt tour of Europe in March of 1967, ‘Live in Europe’ featured backing by Booker T. & the MG's along with the Memphis Horns (Wayne Jackson on trumpet and Andrew Love on tenor sax) and additional tenor sax player Joe Arnold.

The album was released a month or so before Otis’s legendary performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967, which pushed interest in Otis to a whole new level just prior to his tragic passing. Let’s check out a couple of red hot clips of Otis at Monterey.

And if you just can't get enough Otis, check out our I Like Otis Redding Spotify playlist.