Otis Redding: These Arms Of Mine

• Posted on 28 February 2021
• By Derek Antonio
• Posted in Atlantic Records, Dirty Dancing, Film Soundtracks, Otis Redding
• 0

Our introduction to Otis Redding was in 1987 when we were just 9 years old. Much like many music obsessed kids of my generation, the Dirty Dancing soundtracks (both of them) - were incredibly influential. Opening the door with a showcase of artists I had never heard of.

One of the most impactful moments in the movie is when Baby goes to Johnny’s cabin for the first time, just after her Dad saved Penny. The song that soundtracks this dramatic love scene is Otis’ “These Arms Of Mine”. Johnny, in awe of Baby’s bravery, claims she isn’t afraid of anything and her reply is...

“Me? I’m scared of everything. I’m scared of what I did, of who I am and most of all, I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my life the way I feel with you.”

To this day, this exchange still gets me.

Otis is also the soundtrack to another big moment earlier in the film when Baby finds herself at a staff-only party and is mesmerized by Johnny's seductive dance moves. Redding's “Love Man” has the whole crowd in a tizzy.

This brand new mono remaster of Otis Redding’s greatest hits has just been released by our friends at Atlantic Records. It features 16 timeless recordings like “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay”, “Respect”, “Try A Little Tenderness”, “Mr. Pitful”, “Pain In My Heart” and of course, “These Arms of Mine”.

We imported lots of these as we truly believe this needs to be everyone’s collection. Hopefully a domestic release isn’t far away.