This clip is so emotional. Wow Otis Redding one of the best of all time yet career so short. Funny how those with the biggest impact in music life is somehow cut short. By the way isn't one of the members of the Barkays Jazze-Pha dad?
jreese66, I agree with u 100%. BET has no clue. They need to go out there and find folks that can deliver the black experience, because what they have now are lost souls working for them.
Otis wanted out of his recently renewed contract because of the new faces who did not know anything about the music business that was showing up on the scene. He was going to buy out of his contract his good friend Jerry Wexler told him that was not a smart thing to do. Otis was his own man. He spoke to his wife early saturday morning to say he love her and to be good and wanted to speak to the children but they were still asleep. She said his conservation was strang and wanted to tell her smtng
Otis wanted out of his contract and was willing to pay his way out. He was warned by a good white friend that was a dangerous decission. Saturday the day before the plane was crashed he spkoe to his wife early morning and she said he spoke as if he wasn't going to see her again. He said to his wife be good and ask to speak to the children but they were still asleep. The new breed of people that was showing up on the property did not know nothing about the music business. They dressed in black.
Ok for all who are curious about the death of Otis Redding his band and his private vietnam veteran pilot Dick Frazier who lived near Otis. Otis Redding was a smart businessman before he was a great song writer and singer. I was seventeen when the plane was crashed. I have read two books on otis redding (the otis redding story) . His contract included a one million dollar life policy to his manager Phil Walden. Otis was a decission maker at stax he did not like the it was changing...
my dad was waiting in line for Otis Redding in Madison when he heard of his tragic death, I'm just getting into his music, such a horrible loss, RIP Otis and the Bar Kays.
The footage of Otis's corpse, hanging, is totally unacceptable.
Shows how were really looked upon! Thats whats real.
From now on, every time I hear a Otis song I'll picture him in a leather jacket hanging from a rope with his body still half submerged in water. and Yes, i am Upset".!
@pharcelle1 Thanks for the warning! Video stopped! I dont need to see that. I am upset I read that, but thanks for stopping me from from viewing this atrocity. Thanks!
@pharcelle1 I'm glad they showed it because it showed how real his death was. Everytime I hear his songs I'll still think of and picture him giving his all and singing his heart out. I now have comfort in knowing that when he passed he looked so peaceful.
I had no idea about the Bar-Kays and am now discovering their music. I'm thankful for documentaries like this that being to light great music and artists.
I feel so sorry for him to actually see his friends die one by one as he tries to save them. I can't imagine that the pain of that night will ever leave him.
When I saw him cry, made almost wanna cry too. I mean that was sad, just to see your friends die like that. Especially in a plane crash too. They were so talented and Otis too. Everything was coming to him & he was about to blow up too.
Back in the day, it seemed like a lot of these entertainers passed by being in a plane crash. I forgot, but I think there is a site that lists all the entertainers who've died by plane crash.
One thing that I always gets me is how YOUNG these guys were. I had never seen a picture of the ORIGINAL Bar-Kays until about 10 years ago, and when I saw it, all I could think was, "They're KIDS!!!" If I'm not mistaken, they are all between 17 and 19 years old, with James Alexander being the youngest at the time of the crash. I know that wasn't so unusual during that time period, but it was really mind-blowing. Worse is that Ben Cauley has lived with this his ENTIRE ADULT LIFE.
Back then, kids dropped out of school and joined bands and went on the road. I think Bootsy had dropped out in the 10th grade and was playing with James at 17. It is amazing when you find out how old they were and then hear about drugs and women and they were just babies. That is sad he had to live with that. Trying to save them and not being able to, I know that hurt him.
that was sad seeing otis redding body and i feel sorry for the one who survived he will have to live with the guilt oof why he was the only one who survived and he still feels the pain.
@killskillz to each his own. As a lover of music from the womb and growing up listening to this man sing on 45 rpm records I for one was so pleased to finally get some answers and see some footage of what actually went on. grieves me to the soul, no doubt, but its like he was a member of my family for real. Awesome man. wonderful voice. Perfect entertainer. He was and to me still is.
@1962tena u didnt hafta see footage of him deceased to know what happened. its common knowledge that Otis and the Bar-Kays died in a plane crash...as many other people, but to actually be inconsiderate enuff to show him being pulled oout of the ocean is tacky, just as tacky as seeing one of you loved ones being pulled from wreckage. some things dont need to be shown
@killskillz never meant to offend or upset you. only voicing my opinion as you did. Thats why the first statement was "to each his own". I did not see it as tacky. my apologies to you. Nevertheless, I agree to dis-agree with you. Blessings on you...
@killskillz Thanks a million. Was never afforded the opportunity to see him alive and I grew up listening to this mans music. Loved him then as I do now. Still after all of these yearsthe degree of sorrow and pain I feel at such a musical talent not being here with us has not dulled. Hope you understand what I'm saying. Thanks for the reply. I appreciate you...
I feel you, but his death has been surrounded in some mystery. There is a photo more shocking than that. They actually have him up in the air. I don't know who took it, but it is sad to see. I've seen some sights that have put out more questions than answers. People want to know what happened. I'm still trying to figure out why the pilot flew the plane when he knew the battery was low.
I've seen one where they had lifted him out of the water. He was hoisted high up in the air. They didn't show that one. Some would say it was tacky, but they had to show it because there are some things I've read/seen recently that bring up more questions than answers. I'm sure there is more in the vaults somewhere that have not been shown.
Come on seriously! How can you have a interview with shalamar's producer Leon Sylvers , but not have a story on The Sylvers, Come on let's see that soon please!!. Thanks and thanks for all of the other celebraties stories great stuff!
Jackie Wilson's struggle in life, Prince's mystery, and Stephanie Mills' relationship with Michael Jackson is not UNSUNG but Teddy Pendergrass is? TP has been in the news because of his recent passing. Also, Sam Cooke's life had drama and tragedy. I guess I do not know the true meaning of UNSUNG or what constitutes who is or isn't.
Jackie and Sam would be good for the show. I think they throw some names out there and you go to there site and vote. I think you can suggest people too. I think maybe they feel people already know about Sam's death or no one has mentioned to list him. Actually, Sam is really not unsung, but Jackie Wilson seems to fit the bill more. Sam was on the rise and about to crossover when he died. Jackie kind of got lost in the shuffle. Hell of a performer though.
It makes you just want to hug Mr Cauley. Aww I feel so bad for him. Just be floating in a big lake and see & hear your friends screaming then the next minute nothing but silence and your all alone and they are all dead. That's chilling in itself. I'm surprised you can understand him now from the shock of the crash, being in the cold water and seeing his friends die. Bless his beautiful heart .
I almost threw up seeing Otis Redding's body like that. Maybe it's the fact that it's not even gruesome-- he's just sitting in his seat, looking cold and wet and like he could reach out to grab one of their necks for support. I shouldn't have watched this because all I can do is cry. He's one of the great musicians my dad and I bond over and that image will haunt me whenever I think about his music.
As far as the Jet Magazine photos go, well, it WAS the 60s. Otis Redding notwithstanding, back then JET used the photos to drive home the reality of what was happening to black people during the Civil Rights movement; I don't think they did it simply to be gratuitous. I got hold of some of my grandmother's old JETs from the early to mid-60s, and the stuff was CHILLING...Emmett Till, the attack on James Meredith, Miles Davis beat up by the police, etc.
@Odawg96 So very true. Unfortunaltely at a very young age I was accidentally exposed to a photo of Emmett Till's beaten and bloated corpse..................a very traumatizing moment I will never forget.
@cbryant6939 I hear ya man. I first read about Till when I was about 11 or 12 in the mid-80s in JET. About a year later, they ran the story--and back then JET ran a piece on Emmett Till EVERY YEAR--and they had "the PICTURE" included in it. Man, it MESSED ME UP! To this day, whenever I see that picture, it hits me the same...25 years later. I guess that was the goal.
I hadn't heard about Miles being beaten by the police. I think I've seen the Meredith photo, of him on the ground, crying in pain from being shot by a sniper. Jet kept it real and Emmett's mom insisted it be shown and kept the casket open so people could see what was going on. To hear those cowards admitted they killed him in a magazine and bragged about getting away with it and living their lives and die of old age ..... so unfair!!!
@lepoetress Oh, that's not he Meredith photo I'm referring to. THAT one was in JET, but they had another photo of him from behind in a wheelchair after the shooting. The back of his head had all these buckshot scars/scabs in it. It really turned my stomach. JET really was on the cutting edge once upon a time. These days, it ain't worth the paper it's printed on.
You can't help but feel tremendous sorry for Ben Cauley. He's had to live with that for over 40 years: "Why did they all have to die?" "Why did I have to live?" Quite frankly, it's amazing that he's still walking around. A lesser man would have probably died from heartbreak a long time ago.
I just finished watching Unsung and I couldn't help but cry. I really felt terrible for Ben Cauley. I can only imagine what he went through watching the people that he cared about and worked with die in front of his eyes. I pray that God has given him some kind of peace because he had a reason for him to be here. God bless him.
I concur. I know that hurt him; trying to save your friends and not being able to hold on to them. The sad part is they were just babies, fresh out of high school and forever 18-21 yrs. old. It is a shame they never found out why that happened. Everything I've read says they have no clue what went wrong.
@lepoetress Through the years, I've read the same thing about the investigators not being able to solve why the plane crashed. Like you, this is the first time I heard about a low battery. You see tragedies unfold like this and it's always a reminder not to take life or the people in your life for granted. I hope that everyone got a message from this. So much talent was lost in a matter of hours. May their spirits rest in peace
I concur. I've also seen on a website that his widow is to have alledgedly said he called her depressed about something and spoke to his son, I think Otis III. Told her he would call once he got to Madison, but never go the chance. Go to chancellorofsoul and they have a timeline of what went on. I'm not sure if I spelled it right (the site), but it is eyeopening.
@lepoetress I googled the Otis Redding one and they have him being pulled from the waters from a different angle from the front and eveb though it creepy to see it he looks as if he maybe asleep in a chair. Because he just don't look bloated like some do when they've been in water too long. Oh if you google it look where it days " warning dead photo"
Also where is it that I can find the picture of Sam Cooke you mentioned. Thank you in advance
@lifesaver72 I bet for yrs and maybe still have nightmares avout that night and your right to watch your someone die in front of you like that and not being able to help them and their more then likely was screaming for help and he could reached them. I cried too when I watched it
It would be nice to see Randy Crawford, Angela Bofill, Peabo Bryson, The Commodores, Anita Ward, The Marvelettes, Confunkshun, Dionne Warwick & (Dee Warwick, her sister), Deborah Laws, and Johnathan Butler, Gene Chandler, Pebbles, and Cherrelle to mix the generations on TVOne Unsung features.
You're welcome. I hope they get to the bottom of what really happened, but I think we will never know. I saw on a site where they said James Brown tried to come to the funeral that was held on his ranch and was chased away by the farm hands. What was that about?
@lepoetress Don't know what the deal could possibly have been with not allowing Mr. Brown to stay. Have looked at that documentary over and over. I truly wonder if Otis knew that the battery was low, why the band members who heard the attendent say the battery was low did'nt question that, who the attendent and the pilot was, or if they were one and the same, and whether yeah or nay to the last question, if it the battery was too low to warm up the plane on this exceptionally cold day,
I saw a show yrs. ago where they said Otis started recording like crazy, as if he knew something was going to happen to him. They said the new manager was going to be a White guy and I think back then with all the racial tensions, they kept that quiet. From what I remember of the show, they stated that he was making changes and things weren't said about his plans to change management. I heard the manager got paid, but they never said if the families of the passengers got anything.
They shouldn't have, but I bet his management didn't want to lose any money/payback any they have already been given. Back then, you really had to grind to get the public's attention and especially being a Black artist on the trail of expanding his audience .... They should've NEVER used that plane. I STILL don't know how they couldn't have found not 1 thing that would've said definitively what caused the crash. They have always said they don't know.
@lepoetress don't know why Mr. Brown was not allowed that privilege. My questions are, why the band members did'nt question the battery being low after being told by the attendant, if Otis knew the battery was low, who the pilot was and if he knew,and if on that exceptionally cold day the bettery was too low to heat up the plane prior to take-off, why take that chance with your own or anybody elses life... Help me with that, please!!!
I'm with you. I didn't understand keeping away people that loved Otis. From what I've heard, they have never found ANY reason why the plane went down. There was a story that Otis was getting a new manager, unbeknowst to anyone. They probably didn't question it, thinking since they were new to be business, probably didn't want to rock the boat or seem pushy.
@lepoetress Don't kno how much u kno bout a gospel group that recorded on the Peacock Label years ago, but they recorded a song called "Somebody Is Lying." that is my sentiment on this exactly. Thanks 4 sharing with me all of the knowledge u have about this case. U have told me things i never knew.Still, after all of these years, I'm yet saddened that this man and his band r no longer with us, Because I grew up listening 2 his music, it's like he was family ...
You're welcome. I vaguely remember hearing about that record label and I concur - something went wrong and we may never know how or why. Same with Buddy Holly, but it did come out that the pilot wasn't qualified to fly and shouldn't have flown in bad weather, but you have go to different websites to get the story. I think they let it go just to preserve his legacy. Back then, anything scandalous was hidden and unless they wrote an autobiograpy and told it themselves.
@lepoetress Thanks 4 the info. gives me some closure after so many years but very little comfort. still a part of me missing. probably always will b. But thank God we still have his voice on recordings and can see him on videos. my prayer is that we'll all meet him in Heaven and can see and hear him sing in the heavenly choir. Thank you for your help. I appreciate you Bless you.....
You're welcome. I'm glad they have so much of film too. I think that's what makes it hard with some artists like Tammi Terrell - not a lot of footage or the footage is the property of someone or company that is not willing to release it to the public. Man, Heaven has a choir! Marvin, Sam, Michael, Tammi, Mahailia, Sarah, Lena ... who goes 1st??!! Blessing to you also. This would make a good documentary on how this could happen and how to have it NOT happen again.
@tsujoy, I was amazed I could keep it together. Stuff like that make me cry like crazy.
@mmemmorry, I had no idea that they had a morgue photo. Damn, they weren't playing - if it ain't in Jet, it didn't happen. I think if they showed more, folks would've accused them of trying to be shocking and disrespecting the family by showing the photos. I wonder who they got permission from to release that photo and I hope the family wasn't too upset by it, if they even watched it.
I saw all of the pictures from Otis Reddings death the Jet Magazine that covered his death and the investigation. It showed that same picture of O. R. in the plan seat being pulled from the water and him in the morgue with a tag attached. I was shocked that they were showing so many graphic details back in the 60's. It is odd that they are not showing as many details today about famous stars.
@mmemmorry WOW1 I've never seen this one but I have heard that there was apicture of him in Jet still in his plane seat. I'm a little taken aback that they'd show these pictures of him also WOW!
That was the first time I heard about the plane's battery being low. All reports I've read said they don't know why the plane crashed. That should've been investigated. Why would he fly a plane on a low battery? Such a tragedy that could've been avoided had they been given the option to take another plane. Poor men ... they died so needlessly.
@lepoetress Yeah he was so young. And every time I watch his former band mate tell what happened, I feel so sad for him. I know he has questioned that incident all of his life.
I feel you. There was a website I went to where they show him being hoisted up in the air. If you didn't realize it was a plane crash, Otis looked likd someone sleeping off too much alchol.
@lepoetress I remember seeing that as well. They had Otis on a hook, up in the air like he was just a piece of meat. It was hard to watch. He looked like he was sleeping. I also read once that they did not find water in Otis' lungs, indicating that he did not drown. He may have had a heart attack and passed away before the plane hit the water. I can only hope that he did not suffer long.
I feel you, lyndalue456. I was curious to see if they had photos from that day and was shocked to see that. I hadn't heard aboout him not having water in his lungs. He looked so peaceful and I pray that is how he went. I read they had to handle everything carefully or else they would've lost everything.
Yeah, that was hard to watch. Someone on the TVOne site felt they were wrong for showing it, but I said you really couldn't get around not showing it. If they type in his name or autopsy photo of Otis Redding, this along with other photos would surface. In my last post Dreuxski90, Imeant to say "... looked like ...". Pardon the typo.
I concur. Either they show it or, like I did, find it on the internet. They have one of Sam Cook where he fell after being shot. He looked like he took a Rodney King kind of beating. If they hadn't said it was him, he was unrecognizable. I think the photo/video they used was decent. The one with him hoisted HIGH up in the air may have freaked some folks out.
Jet magazine actually had pics of this tragic accident. It was just too much to bare. Words couldn't describe how you'll feel especially being a huge Otis Redding fan. Boy oh boy wat a tragic loss. The Bar-Kays kept their history and fame going well til the 80s though.
I feel you, but they said his mother wanted the world to see what they did to her son. Years later they were saying it's possible not only the white men who took him from the house that killed him may have forced some blacks folks to participate in his death. They say he may have been held down in the water with one of those industrial air conditoners. That poor child .... may his soul be at rest.
@lepoetress I heard that too that a few black men participated in Emmet's death. That gin fan that was tied to Emmet's legs or neck was to keep the body from floating. I bet those black men who help was forced to tell where Emmet was staying and I bet the night they came for Emmet his uncle knew it would be the last time he'd see Emmet alive. I heard that after men were found not gulity Emmet's uncle late that week spend the night in a grave yard I can't remember why he did that but he did
I didn't know about him staying in the graveyard, but I know that had to devastating to see your nephew being taken away, knowing he'd be killed. They say he offered them money to keep from taking him. 1 man was going to take it and the other one insisted on taking Emmet and doing what they did to him.
@hidoll22 First time hearing about the participation of our black men. Don't doubt it one bit. And don't doubt that they were not only forced into telling but forced to watch and help in what the murderers thought would be a clear disposal and clean get away. Thanks for the insight.
Please, please, package "Unsung" on DVD and sell it! I'd buy it and so will many, many others, especially in Europe where we rarely get to see any top quality programs with African-American artists. This is music journalism at its best.
TVOne deserves an award for allowing a new generation to see how life was for musicians back in the day. Keep it coming, the coverage is great. I have a list of who I am looking forward to seeing: Tammi Terrell, Stephanie Mills, Roberta Flack, Alexander O'Neal, Evelyn Champagne King, The Sylvers, Phoebe Snow, Freddie Jackson, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Raydio, & Prince
@mmemmorry WOW! I love to see unsung do a story on everyone you have listed. I really love to see one of The Sylvers, Tammi Terrell, Stephanie Mills and Prince
@mmemmorry I agree whole heartedly. it's so refreshng to see, hear, and thoroughly enjoy this type of history about the real singers of our time. Hats off to you TV One
I have seen many of the Unsung episodes. Each and every one of those shows always leave me with a feeling inside me that words just can't describe. Based of this teaser clip...This upcoming episode on the Bar Kays will be no exception. Thank-you, TVOne, for remember so many people that should never be forgotten.
I didn't see this one; The Bar-Kays beat my uncles Ameteure Night At the Apollo in the 60s! lol True Story!!!
MrKgbronx12 2 weeks ago
Wow powerful story. It reminds me how fragile life is. God bless you Ben I can feel the pain still in you. May you heal and find peace. God Bless.
rumchocolates1 2 weeks ago
I MEAN BEN
1022shrimpy 1 month ago
GOD BLESS YOU BEEN WHAT A TRAGIC THING TO GO TROUGH!!!
1022shrimpy 1 month ago
James Alexander named his son after his best friend and band mate Phalon Jones
mrfluu 1 month ago
James Alexander is Jazze-Pha Dad
mrfluu 1 month ago
could someone please post this episode. i along with others want to see this.please. thank u.
dropsey31 1 month ago
This clip is so emotional. Wow Otis Redding one of the best of all time yet career so short. Funny how those with the biggest impact in music life is somehow cut short. By the way isn't one of the members of the Barkays Jazze-Pha dad?
lynhayes1 1 month ago
Can't believe they showed Otis's body; sent horrible chills through me :(
ArcaneThingOfBeauty 1 month ago
could u please post your episode of the barkays. nobody saw that episode.
dropsey31 1 month ago
Why is every other Unsung a full episode? Yet the real unsung group the Barkays are snipets?
STONEfan999999 3 months ago
My oldest brother played in the house band with these cats. It was one sad day in Memphis when the news got out. RIP, brothers forever....
slsmoothjack 4 months ago
Lord that clip of Otis's body. Ive seen a front pic of him being pulled up in a old Hustler magazine about thirty years ago. So sad.
montey1 6 months ago
otis!!!! cant believe my eyes!!
thebeat2007 6 months ago
No one should ever go through life with that experience..........
iamAMANdotcom 6 months ago 4
God Bless you, Ben Cauley.
MissJackieM 6 months ago 6
So So sad... *.*
jsix4evr 7 months ago
if i hadn't uploaded my video of an old Bar Kays record, i would have never found this tragic clip from "UNSUNG". a sad story
troyboy7962 7 months ago
This is such a chilling story. So sad.
antij1 7 months ago
so sad, when i seen them pulling out his body i lost it RIP
TheDefjams 7 months ago
@TheDefjams i've thought about this tragedy, often; since i first heard about it as a child. I had to find the Jet magazine.
glasscitadel12 7 months ago
Until this day a sad story, looks for me like yesterday
woerdingsa 8 months ago
jreese66, I agree with u 100%. BET has no clue. They need to go out there and find folks that can deliver the black experience, because what they have now are lost souls working for them.
yosemite72 8 months ago
@yosemite72 BET is awful now i have no respect for that channel now
TheDefjams 7 months ago
So sad.. T_T
mrthundaboots 9 months ago
"Unsung" really fits this group. I had the honor of seeing their first concert after the tragedy when they reformed the group.
amd77j 9 months ago 2
Otis wanted out of his recently renewed contract because of the new faces who did not know anything about the music business that was showing up on the scene. He was going to buy out of his contract his good friend Jerry Wexler told him that was not a smart thing to do. Otis was his own man. He spoke to his wife early saturday morning to say he love her and to be good and wanted to speak to the children but they were still asleep. She said his conservation was strang and wanted to tell her smtng
plezful 10 months ago
Otis wanted out of his contract and was willing to pay his way out. He was warned by a good white friend that was a dangerous decission. Saturday the day before the plane was crashed he spkoe to his wife early morning and she said he spoke as if he wasn't going to see her again. He said to his wife be good and ask to speak to the children but they were still asleep. The new breed of people that was showing up on the property did not know nothing about the music business. They dressed in black.
plezful 10 months ago
Ok for all who are curious about the death of Otis Redding his band and his private vietnam veteran pilot Dick Frazier who lived near Otis. Otis Redding was a smart businessman before he was a great song writer and singer. I was seventeen when the plane was crashed. I have read two books on otis redding (the otis redding story) . His contract included a one million dollar life policy to his manager Phil Walden. Otis was a decission maker at stax he did not like the it was changing...
plezful 10 months ago
my dad was waiting in line for Otis Redding in Madison when he heard of his tragic death, I'm just getting into his music, such a horrible loss, RIP Otis and the Bar Kays.
boozaaa 11 months ago
Ben was lucky to survive the plane crash. I'm sorry for what happened to Otis and the other Bar-Kays members on the plane.
EZR09 11 months ago
The footage of Otis's corpse, hanging, is totally unacceptable.
Shows how were really looked upon! Thats whats real.
From now on, every time I hear a Otis song I'll picture him in a leather jacket hanging from a rope with his body still half submerged in water. and Yes, i am Upset".!
pharcelle1 11 months ago 2
@pharcelle1 Thanks for the warning! Video stopped! I dont need to see that. I am upset I read that, but thanks for stopping me from from viewing this atrocity. Thanks!
2441883 10 months ago
@pharcelle1 I'm glad they showed it because it showed how real his death was. Everytime I hear his songs I'll still think of and picture him giving his all and singing his heart out. I now have comfort in knowing that when he passed he looked so peaceful.
I had no idea about the Bar-Kays and am now discovering their music. I'm thankful for documentaries like this that being to light great music and artists.
NinjaMonkey444 9 months ago
I feel so sorry for him to actually see his friends die one by one as he tries to save them. I can't imagine that the pain of that night will ever leave him.
vbostick73 1 year ago
My heart bleeds 4 him--i cried on this story---nothing lasts 4ver--not even life--so nothing really matters.
HollywoodGal2020 1 year ago
thats gross, shows otis's dead body
dentpopcan 1 year ago
@dentpopcan it is not gross it's real and it's life.
mjjcng8958 1 year ago
@mjjcng8958 well i should of said sad not gross, but yeah i agree
dentpopcan 1 year ago
@mjjcng8958 Well, some may think it's gross, cause seeing a dead body is nothing to happily talk about.
heckto35 10 months ago
@heckto35 i agree
mjjcng8958 10 months ago
When I saw him cry, made almost wanna cry too. I mean that was sad, just to see your friends die like that. Especially in a plane crash too. They were so talented and Otis too. Everything was coming to him & he was about to blow up too.
whouwit24 1 year ago
RIP OTIS AND THE BARKAYS
Elvisfancilla79 1 year ago
Dread to see a big man cry; BUT feelings.
carinter15 1 year ago
Back in the day, it seemed like a lot of these entertainers passed by being in a plane crash. I forgot, but I think there is a site that lists all the entertainers who've died by plane crash.
lepoetress 1 year ago
One thing that I always gets me is how YOUNG these guys were. I had never seen a picture of the ORIGINAL Bar-Kays until about 10 years ago, and when I saw it, all I could think was, "They're KIDS!!!" If I'm not mistaken, they are all between 17 and 19 years old, with James Alexander being the youngest at the time of the crash. I know that wasn't so unusual during that time period, but it was really mind-blowing. Worse is that Ben Cauley has lived with this his ENTIRE ADULT LIFE.
Odawg96 1 year ago
@Odawg96
Back then, kids dropped out of school and joined bands and went on the road. I think Bootsy had dropped out in the 10th grade and was playing with James at 17. It is amazing when you find out how old they were and then hear about drugs and women and they were just babies. That is sad he had to live with that. Trying to save them and not being able to, I know that hurt him.
lepoetress 1 year ago
Ben Cauley is so blessed. It's ashame he had to go through that
Dablkwid0w2008 1 year ago
that was sad seeing otis redding body and i feel sorry for the one who survived he will have to live with the guilt oof why he was the only one who survived and he still feels the pain.
cutie21able 1 year ago
Ugh I hate to see a man cry...I hope God helps him through this
Dablkwid0w2008 1 year ago
the footage of otis literally just made my heart stop! i had no idea they actually had that kind of footage....im in total shock
missey224 1 year ago
jazzy pha's dad lol they look alike.
mjjcng8958 1 year ago
that was very tacky of them to include video of Otis deceased....fuck that!
killskillz 1 year ago 2
@killskillz I agree..but he was sitting in a chair, so it wasn't so gruesome.
apolloniasixer 1 year ago
@apolloniasixer no but about it. some things should not be shown
killskillz 1 year ago
@killskillz to each his own. As a lover of music from the womb and growing up listening to this man sing on 45 rpm records I for one was so pleased to finally get some answers and see some footage of what actually went on. grieves me to the soul, no doubt, but its like he was a member of my family for real. Awesome man. wonderful voice. Perfect entertainer. He was and to me still is.
1962tena 1 year ago
@1962tena u didnt hafta see footage of him deceased to know what happened. its common knowledge that Otis and the Bar-Kays died in a plane crash...as many other people, but to actually be inconsiderate enuff to show him being pulled oout of the ocean is tacky, just as tacky as seeing one of you loved ones being pulled from wreckage. some things dont need to be shown
killskillz 1 year ago
@killskillz never meant to offend or upset you. only voicing my opinion as you did. Thats why the first statement was "to each his own". I did not see it as tacky. my apologies to you. Nevertheless, I agree to dis-agree with you. Blessings on you...
.
1962tena 1 year ago
@1962tena i wasnt offended...just stating that they shouldnt have done that.
killskillz 1 year ago
@killskillz Thanks a million. Was never afforded the opportunity to see him alive and I grew up listening to this mans music. Loved him then as I do now. Still after all of these yearsthe degree of sorrow and pain I feel at such a musical talent not being here with us has not dulled. Hope you understand what I'm saying. Thanks for the reply. I appreciate you...
1962tena 1 year ago
@killskillz
I feel you, but his death has been surrounded in some mystery. There is a photo more shocking than that. They actually have him up in the air. I don't know who took it, but it is sad to see. I've seen some sights that have put out more questions than answers. People want to know what happened. I'm still trying to figure out why the pilot flew the plane when he knew the battery was low.
lepoetress 1 year ago 3
OMG! I wasn't aware that theres recovery footage of Otis. He was still in his seat.
ReeseMac 1 year ago 2
@ReeseMac
I've seen one where they had lifted him out of the water. He was hoisted high up in the air. They didn't show that one. Some would say it was tacky, but they had to show it because there are some things I've read/seen recently that bring up more questions than answers. I'm sure there is more in the vaults somewhere that have not been shown.
lepoetress 1 year ago
They Need To Have These Shows on Their Website for those who can't watch it on TV, PLEASE!!!!!
Glencoe102 1 year ago
TVone is 1000000000x times better than BET.
jreese66 1 year ago 37
@jreese66 amen. let's just hope they don't sell out and start producing garbage
iroc31407 1 year ago 2
@jreese66 Amen to that brother!!:)
MrJsmit 1 year ago
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MrCovering 1 year ago
Come on seriously! How can you have a interview with shalamar's producer Leon Sylvers , but not have a story on The Sylvers, Come on let's see that soon please!!. Thanks and thanks for all of the other celebraties stories great stuff!
RSYLVER14 1 year ago 8
that is sooooo freaking sad RIP OTIS AND THE BAR KAYS HOPEN YALL RIP
kingpin7224 1 year ago 2
Jackie Wilson's struggle in life, Prince's mystery, and Stephanie Mills' relationship with Michael Jackson is not UNSUNG but Teddy Pendergrass is? TP has been in the news because of his recent passing. Also, Sam Cooke's life had drama and tragedy. I guess I do not know the true meaning of UNSUNG or what constitutes who is or isn't.
mmemmorry 1 year ago 2
@mmemmorry
Jackie and Sam would be good for the show. I think they throw some names out there and you go to there site and vote. I think you can suggest people too. I think maybe they feel people already know about Sam's death or no one has mentioned to list him. Actually, Sam is really not unsung, but Jackie Wilson seems to fit the bill more. Sam was on the rise and about to crossover when he died. Jackie kind of got lost in the shuffle. Hell of a performer though.
lepoetress 1 year ago
I started tearing up when he described his friends' death.
deep71483 1 year ago
omg at 3:39 was that Otis Redding? or the guy that survived?
MrSexxxy20 1 year ago
It was Otis
deep71483 1 year ago
It makes you just want to hug Mr Cauley. Aww I feel so bad for him. Just be floating in a big lake and see & hear your friends screaming then the next minute nothing but silence and your all alone and they are all dead. That's chilling in itself. I'm surprised you can understand him now from the shock of the crash, being in the cold water and seeing his friends die. Bless his beautiful heart .
jujew31 1 year ago 4
God bless u Ben Cauley.
CRYSTALLTAY 1 year ago 3
nothing short of heartbreaking.
faraboverubies31 1 year ago
I almost threw up seeing Otis Redding's body like that. Maybe it's the fact that it's not even gruesome-- he's just sitting in his seat, looking cold and wet and like he could reach out to grab one of their necks for support. I shouldn't have watched this because all I can do is cry. He's one of the great musicians my dad and I bond over and that image will haunt me whenever I think about his music.
idontsurf999 1 year ago 3
@idontsurf999 OMG, I just saw a picture of Otis' body in an old Jet Magazine dated Dec 28, 1967. That was awful.
harvsoul 1 year ago
@idontsurf999
I saw on where he was hoisted up in the air. I don't know who took the photo, but it is sad to see. He looks like he was sleeping.
lepoetress 1 year ago
I lost it at 2:36.... this is.....wow.
Luvbug324 1 year ago
wow he never got out of his chair that is so sad
cherishthis617 1 year ago 2
Man, I teared up.
memyself2k 1 year ago
As far as the Jet Magazine photos go, well, it WAS the 60s. Otis Redding notwithstanding, back then JET used the photos to drive home the reality of what was happening to black people during the Civil Rights movement; I don't think they did it simply to be gratuitous. I got hold of some of my grandmother's old JETs from the early to mid-60s, and the stuff was CHILLING...Emmett Till, the attack on James Meredith, Miles Davis beat up by the police, etc.
Odawg96 1 year ago 2
@Odawg96 So very true. Unfortunaltely at a very young age I was accidentally exposed to a photo of Emmett Till's beaten and bloated corpse..................a very traumatizing moment I will never forget.
cbryant6939 1 year ago
@cbryant6939 I hear ya man. I first read about Till when I was about 11 or 12 in the mid-80s in JET. About a year later, they ran the story--and back then JET ran a piece on Emmett Till EVERY YEAR--and they had "the PICTURE" included in it. Man, it MESSED ME UP! To this day, whenever I see that picture, it hits me the same...25 years later. I guess that was the goal.
Odawg96 1 year ago
@Odawg96
I hadn't heard about Miles being beaten by the police. I think I've seen the Meredith photo, of him on the ground, crying in pain from being shot by a sniper. Jet kept it real and Emmett's mom insisted it be shown and kept the casket open so people could see what was going on. To hear those cowards admitted they killed him in a magazine and bragged about getting away with it and living their lives and die of old age ..... so unfair!!!
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress Oh, that's not he Meredith photo I'm referring to. THAT one was in JET, but they had another photo of him from behind in a wheelchair after the shooting. The back of his head had all these buckshot scars/scabs in it. It really turned my stomach. JET really was on the cutting edge once upon a time. These days, it ain't worth the paper it's printed on.
Odawg96 1 year ago
@Odawg96
I didn't even know a photo like that existed. Man, that is deep. They really were at the forefront of some serious social upheavel.
lepoetress 1 year ago
=( RIP
MeChelleMyBellPhilly 1 year ago
You can't help but feel tremendous sorry for Ben Cauley. He's had to live with that for over 40 years: "Why did they all have to die?" "Why did I have to live?" Quite frankly, it's amazing that he's still walking around. A lesser man would have probably died from heartbreak a long time ago.
Odawg96 1 year ago 4
wut a tragedy...
ckayci1 1 year ago
I just finished watching Unsung and I couldn't help but cry. I really felt terrible for Ben Cauley. I can only imagine what he went through watching the people that he cared about and worked with die in front of his eyes. I pray that God has given him some kind of peace because he had a reason for him to be here. God bless him.
lifesaver72 1 year ago
@lifesaver72
I concur. I know that hurt him; trying to save your friends and not being able to hold on to them. The sad part is they were just babies, fresh out of high school and forever 18-21 yrs. old. It is a shame they never found out why that happened. Everything I've read says they have no clue what went wrong.
lepoetress 1 year ago
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wisdom21215 1 year ago
@lepoetress Through the years, I've read the same thing about the investigators not being able to solve why the plane crashed. Like you, this is the first time I heard about a low battery. You see tragedies unfold like this and it's always a reminder not to take life or the people in your life for granted. I hope that everyone got a message from this. So much talent was lost in a matter of hours. May their spirits rest in peace
lifesaver72 1 year ago
@lifesaver72
I concur. I've also seen on a website that his widow is to have alledgedly said he called her depressed about something and spoke to his son, I think Otis III. Told her he would call once he got to Madison, but never go the chance. Go to chancellorofsoul and they have a timeline of what went on. I'm not sure if I spelled it right (the site), but it is eyeopening.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress I googled the Otis Redding one and they have him being pulled from the waters from a different angle from the front and eveb though it creepy to see it he looks as if he maybe asleep in a chair. Because he just don't look bloated like some do when they've been in water too long. Oh if you google it look where it days " warning dead photo"
Also where is it that I can find the picture of Sam Cooke you mentioned. Thank you in advance
hidoll22 1 year ago
@hidoll22
He sure he didn't look bloated, but it was hard to see him like that. You're welcome.
Those sites really give you back in scoop on things.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lifesaver72 I bet for yrs and maybe still have nightmares avout that night and your right to watch your someone die in front of you like that and not being able to help them and their more then likely was screaming for help and he could reached them. I cried too when I watched it
hidoll22 1 year ago
It would be nice to see Randy Crawford, Angela Bofill, Peabo Bryson, The Commodores, Anita Ward, The Marvelettes, Confunkshun, Dionne Warwick & (Dee Warwick, her sister), Deborah Laws, and Johnathan Butler, Gene Chandler, Pebbles, and Cherrelle to mix the generations on TVOne Unsung features.
mmemmorry 1 year ago
It's ss sad to see this man cry, it made me cry
hidoll22 1 year ago
Check out chancellor of soul (.com/redding);
It gave some good info and told some things I didn't know.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress Thanks a million. A devoted fan of Mr. Redding then, now, and always.
1962tena 1 year ago
@1962tena
You're welcome. I hope they get to the bottom of what really happened, but I think we will never know. I saw on a site where they said James Brown tried to come to the funeral that was held on his ranch and was chased away by the farm hands. What was that about?
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress Don't know what the deal could possibly have been with not allowing Mr. Brown to stay. Have looked at that documentary over and over. I truly wonder if Otis knew that the battery was low, why the band members who heard the attendent say the battery was low did'nt question that, who the attendent and the pilot was, or if they were one and the same, and whether yeah or nay to the last question, if it the battery was too low to warm up the plane on this exceptionally cold day,
1962tena 1 year ago
@1962tena
I saw a show yrs. ago where they said Otis started recording like crazy, as if he knew something was going to happen to him. They said the new manager was going to be a White guy and I think back then with all the racial tensions, they kept that quiet. From what I remember of the show, they stated that he was making changes and things weren't said about his plans to change management. I heard the manager got paid, but they never said if the families of the passengers got anything.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress why take that chance with anybody's life including one's own????? help me with that one, Please!!!
1962tena 1 year ago
@1962tena
They shouldn't have, but I bet his management didn't want to lose any money/payback any they have already been given. Back then, you really had to grind to get the public's attention and especially being a Black artist on the trail of expanding his audience .... They should've NEVER used that plane. I STILL don't know how they couldn't have found not 1 thing that would've said definitively what caused the crash. They have always said they don't know.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress don't know why Mr. Brown was not allowed that privilege. My questions are, why the band members did'nt question the battery being low after being told by the attendant, if Otis knew the battery was low, who the pilot was and if he knew,and if on that exceptionally cold day the bettery was too low to heat up the plane prior to take-off, why take that chance with your own or anybody elses life... Help me with that, please!!!
1962tena 1 year ago
@1962tena
I'm with you. I didn't understand keeping away people that loved Otis. From what I've heard, they have never found ANY reason why the plane went down. There was a story that Otis was getting a new manager, unbeknowst to anyone. They probably didn't question it, thinking since they were new to be business, probably didn't want to rock the boat or seem pushy.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress Don't kno how much u kno bout a gospel group that recorded on the Peacock Label years ago, but they recorded a song called "Somebody Is Lying." that is my sentiment on this exactly. Thanks 4 sharing with me all of the knowledge u have about this case. U have told me things i never knew.Still, after all of these years, I'm yet saddened that this man and his band r no longer with us, Because I grew up listening 2 his music, it's like he was family ...
1962tena 1 year ago
@1962tena
You're welcome. I vaguely remember hearing about that record label and I concur - something went wrong and we may never know how or why. Same with Buddy Holly, but it did come out that the pilot wasn't qualified to fly and shouldn't have flown in bad weather, but you have go to different websites to get the story. I think they let it go just to preserve his legacy. Back then, anything scandalous was hidden and unless they wrote an autobiograpy and told it themselves.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress Thanks 4 the info. gives me some closure after so many years but very little comfort. still a part of me missing. probably always will b. But thank God we still have his voice on recordings and can see him on videos. my prayer is that we'll all meet him in Heaven and can see and hear him sing in the heavenly choir. Thank you for your help. I appreciate you Bless you.....
1962tena 1 year ago
@1962tena
You're welcome. I'm glad they have so much of film too. I think that's what makes it hard with some artists like Tammi Terrell - not a lot of footage or the footage is the property of someone or company that is not willing to release it to the public. Man, Heaven has a choir! Marvin, Sam, Michael, Tammi, Mahailia, Sarah, Lena ... who goes 1st??!! Blessing to you also. This would make a good documentary on how this could happen and how to have it NOT happen again.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@tsujoy, I was amazed I could keep it together. Stuff like that make me cry like crazy.
@mmemmorry, I had no idea that they had a morgue photo. Damn, they weren't playing - if it ain't in Jet, it didn't happen. I think if they showed more, folks would've accused them of trying to be shocking and disrespecting the family by showing the photos. I wonder who they got permission from to release that photo and I hope the family wasn't too upset by it, if they even watched it.
lepoetress 1 year ago
I saw all of the pictures from Otis Reddings death the Jet Magazine that covered his death and the investigation. It showed that same picture of O. R. in the plan seat being pulled from the water and him in the morgue with a tag attached. I was shocked that they were showing so many graphic details back in the 60's. It is odd that they are not showing as many details today about famous stars.
mmemmorry 1 year ago
@mmemmorry WOW1 I've never seen this one but I have heard that there was apicture of him in Jet still in his plane seat. I'm a little taken aback that they'd show these pictures of him also WOW!
hidoll22 1 year ago
That was the first time I heard about the plane's battery being low. All reports I've read said they don't know why the plane crashed. That should've been investigated. Why would he fly a plane on a low battery? Such a tragedy that could've been avoided had they been given the option to take another plane. Poor men ... they died so needlessly.
lepoetress 1 year ago
The best show on TV One and I hope they never re run Flavor of Love.
mightyblack1 1 year ago
@mightyblack1 Amen to that. That show was such garbage.
1962tena 1 year ago
a chill went thru my body when they showed otis still in the chair just gone like that never seen that before
Dreuxski90 1 year ago 3
@Dreuxski90 I know, I don't know if I can even watch this clip anymore...
tsujoy 1 year ago
@tsujoy
Yes, that was him. So sad that his life ended that way. I think they say he was only 26 yrs. old
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress Yeah he was so young. And every time I watch his former band mate tell what happened, I feel so sad for him. I know he has questioned that incident all of his life.
tsujoy 1 year ago
@Dreuxski90
I feel you. There was a website I went to where they show him being hoisted up in the air. If you didn't realize it was a plane crash, Otis looked likd someone sleeping off too much alchol.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress I remember seeing that as well. They had Otis on a hook, up in the air like he was just a piece of meat. It was hard to watch. He looked like he was sleeping. I also read once that they did not find water in Otis' lungs, indicating that he did not drown. He may have had a heart attack and passed away before the plane hit the water. I can only hope that he did not suffer long.
lyndalue456 1 year ago
@lyndalue456
I feel you, lyndalue456. I was curious to see if they had photos from that day and was shocked to see that. I hadn't heard aboout him not having water in his lungs. He looked so peaceful and I pray that is how he went. I read they had to handle everything carefully or else they would've lost everything.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@Dreuxski90
Yeah, that was hard to watch. Someone on the TVOne site felt they were wrong for showing it, but I said you really couldn't get around not showing it. If they type in his name or autopsy photo of Otis Redding, this along with other photos would surface. In my last post Dreuxski90, Imeant to say "... looked like ...". Pardon the typo.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress I think they did right by showing it
hidoll22 1 year ago
@hidoll22
I concur. Either they show it or, like I did, find it on the internet. They have one of Sam Cook where he fell after being shot. He looked like he took a Rodney King kind of beating. If they hadn't said it was him, he was unrecognizable. I think the photo/video they used was decent. The one with him hoisted HIGH up in the air may have freaked some folks out.
lepoetress 1 year ago
I love the Barkays and Otis Redding...So proud of you guys!
TheTitanTube 1 year ago
Omg, was that Otis Redding @ 3:38???
tsujoy 1 year ago 2
@tsujoy I had the same reaction. I've never seen that footage of Otis before. So haunting
djntt69 1 year ago
@djntt69 Yeah I'm surprised they didn't edit that part out. It's so unexpected!
tsujoy 1 year ago
this is so sad.
brittneyonline 1 year ago
Jet magazine actually had pics of this tragic accident. It was just too much to bare. Words couldn't describe how you'll feel especially being a huge Otis Redding fan. Boy oh boy wat a tragic loss. The Bar-Kays kept their history and fame going well til the 80s though.
soulmusic247 1 year ago
@soulmusic247
I didn't know Jet had the photos, but Jet had the stories and told it all. If they had Emmitt Till's photo, they would have Otis' photo.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress I saw the ones of Emmet Till and it scared me to see such sicken pictures
hidoll22 1 year ago
@hidoll22
I feel you, but they said his mother wanted the world to see what they did to her son. Years later they were saying it's possible not only the white men who took him from the house that killed him may have forced some blacks folks to participate in his death. They say he may have been held down in the water with one of those industrial air conditoners. That poor child .... may his soul be at rest.
lepoetress 1 year ago
@lepoetress I heard that too that a few black men participated in Emmet's death. That gin fan that was tied to Emmet's legs or neck was to keep the body from floating. I bet those black men who help was forced to tell where Emmet was staying and I bet the night they came for Emmet his uncle knew it would be the last time he'd see Emmet alive. I heard that after men were found not gulity Emmet's uncle late that week spend the night in a grave yard I can't remember why he did that but he did
hidoll22 1 year ago
@hidoll22
I didn't know about him staying in the graveyard, but I know that had to devastating to see your nephew being taken away, knowing he'd be killed. They say he offered them money to keep from taking him. 1 man was going to take it and the other one insisted on taking Emmet and doing what they did to him.
lepoetress 1 year ago
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lepoetress 1 year ago
@hidoll22 First time hearing about the participation of our black men. Don't doubt it one bit. And don't doubt that they were not only forced into telling but forced to watch and help in what the murderers thought would be a clear disposal and clean get away. Thanks for the insight.
1962tena 1 year ago
Please, please, package "Unsung" on DVD and sell it! I'd buy it and so will many, many others, especially in Europe where we rarely get to see any top quality programs with African-American artists. This is music journalism at its best.
missfunkyflyy 1 year ago 11
TVOne deserves an award for allowing a new generation to see how life was for musicians back in the day. Keep it coming, the coverage is great. I have a list of who I am looking forward to seeing: Tammi Terrell, Stephanie Mills, Roberta Flack, Alexander O'Neal, Evelyn Champagne King, The Sylvers, Phoebe Snow, Freddie Jackson, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Raydio, & Prince
mmemmorry 1 year ago 10
@mmemmorry
I am REALLY looking forward to Tammi Terrell's Unsung. That, along with the Bar Kays is going to be good!!
lepoetress 1 year ago
@mmemmorry WOW! I love to see unsung do a story on everyone you have listed. I really love to see one of The Sylvers, Tammi Terrell, Stephanie Mills and Prince
hidoll22 1 year ago
@hidoll22 they just did an unsung based on tammi terrell's life.
sailorplutofan9 1 year ago
I doubt Prince, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and Stephanie Mills would be featured on Unsung since they are well known.
deep71483 1 year ago 3
@mmemmorry I agree whole heartedly. it's so refreshng to see, hear, and thoroughly enjoy this type of history about the real singers of our time. Hats off to you TV One
1962tena 1 year ago
I have seen many of the Unsung episodes. Each and every one of those shows always leave me with a feeling inside me that words just can't describe. Based of this teaser clip...This upcoming episode on the Bar Kays will be no exception. Thank-you, TVOne, for remember so many people that should never be forgotten.
THEHUNGRYVEGETARIAN 1 year ago 3
@THEHUNGRYVEGETARIAN I agree. Thanks for the memories.
1962tena 1 year ago
I had forgot all about the Bar Kays being the band for the great Otis Redding. This was a sad day for music.
TheCreativeJournal 1 year ago