I don't see why the comparison. They both were great singers. That's what I love about music of the 50's, 60's, and 70's, every artist put out something that everyone would like. I like Sam for what he did, and I like Otis for what he did. It seems back then everyone was good, distinct, and unique, unlike the artist today. But my favorite is Jackie Wilson, and I think he was above all of them, because he was the complete package.

Otis is one of the greatest ever to live but I gotta go with Sam

I think both Otis and Sam were wonderful singers. I enjoy them both for their unique, distinct voices. So I can't understand why people compare, when both artist were great. If every singer sounded the same, music would be very boring, like most that's out today.
Some say Ray Charles invented soul, some say James Brown, some say Clyde McPhatter, some say Jackie Wilson, some say Sam, it's a matter of opinion, but even though I love most of all the artist from back then, b68Jackie Wilson was greater than all of them. He could outsing, outdance, out-entertain all of them.

Both! And Sam's riffing off of Pee Wee Marquette's MC magic to open a song?
Thats some magic! Alright, indeed!

SAM COOKE

Otis Redding.

Yes, you are all right. Otis had more of a blues-funk edge to his music and was just starting to get a more commercial image before his untimely death. Sam, on the other hand, was a pop-star if there ever was one and had a much wider crossover appeal.
Both men made beautiful and unforgettable music that any person with a soul can't deny.

Cooke's music did not get that raw edge until his performance in the Harlem Club not too long before his death. You ca hear some of that work in the opening of "Ali". The album of that live concert is superb.
Of course many think Otis Redding would have been bigger than any R&B star at the time if he had lived.

Preston-P, Good point mate. Very good point actually. When you compare Ray to Sam, Ray does seem the more shall we say'edgy' and Sam the more'Commercial', but I'm a Sam Man through and through.
Cooke Fann, 'Fraid not pal, I'm from a little place called Bradford in Britain, and sorrymight get lynched for saying this, but until you mentioned it I'd never hea238rd of this tribute gig in Chicago, sounds fun though, maybe next year. Adios matey.
"Can you shoot me, rookie?"

This message has been deleted.

Hey LoneSoldier are you going to be at the Sam Cooke Tribute in Chicago in September?

Cheers mate, glad to see someone else see's the truth.
Peace.
"Can you shoot me, rookie?"

Now that was well said!!!!!

The closest Otis comes to being anywhere near as good as Uncle Sam is
"These arms of mine" - that songs pure sensuality.
Otis did indeed have a distinctive soundbut Sam was the Daddy of Soul, everything soul was, Sam made it.
"Can you shoot me, rookie?"