13 Comments

I live by Lake Monona and think about this often. It’s ringed with parks and bike trails and wonder how many—if any— people know the story?

It’s even sadder when you realize how close the airport is to the lake. They were so, so close…

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Damn... I'm even more wrecked now.

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I love this song, but I had no idea of the back story; that is heartbreaking. I’m so glad it was finished and given to the world as a last gift and a fond remembrance. Thanks so much for the insight.

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Well done. Beautiful story.

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Thank you!

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Gone too soon. Check out Willie Hutch’s first two albums if you’re a fan of Otis. Similar voice and style.

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Great call. Hutch was NICE

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Anytime!!

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Nice piece this. I knew he never finished writing it but I didn’t know the extent to which it was left bare.

This song always reminds me of my time travelling and having made my way to Sydney Australia with barely any cash left to buy a beer. This song gave me hope and for some reason made being on a journey that wasn’t always easy more bare able.

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Love this. Such a great song. IMHO there is a lot of deep deep stuff going on in this song under the placid surface. I even have a draft started about it. I should really finish it.

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Let’s gooooooo

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What an interesting story, didn't know that. I remember coming across an album at the library when I was a teen. I know I'm aging myself, but yes, you could take out albums from the library. It was Levon Helm and the RCO Allstars with Steve Cropper, Donald Dunn, and a host of other great musicians. What a great album, and my introduction to Steve Cropper.

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Heartbreakingly beautiful, Otis forever

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