(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” — Otis Redding
1968 — Volt Records
Released in 1968 shortly after Otis Redding’s death, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” became his first posthumous number-one hit and one of the defining recordings of soul music. The track was issued on Volt Records and later appeared on the album The Dock of the Bay. The bassist on the session was Donald “Duck” Dunn of Booker T. & the M.G.’s.
Duck Dunn’s bassline is understated, supportive, and deeply pocketed. Rather than driving aggressively, he lays down a relaxed, steady foundation that allows the song’s reflective mood to breathe. His note choices clearly outline the harmony while maintaining space between phrases, reinforcing the groove without crowding the arrangement.
The feel is calm but grounded, with the bass acting as a stabilizing force beneath the acoustic guitar, subtle percussion, and Redding’s vocal. For bassists, this recording is a study in restraint, tone control, and how simplicity—played with conviction and consistency—can define the emotional character of an entire song.
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