Otis Clay
Otis Clay was an acclaimed American R&B and soul singer born on February 11, 1942, in Waxhaw, Mississippi, who passed away on January 8, 2016.
Clay grew up in a musical family and moved to Muncie, Indiana, in 1953 before settling in Chicago in 1957. He began singing gospel at age four in church and later performed with groups like the Voices of Hope, Christian Travelers, Golden Jubilaires, Famous Blue Jay Singers, Holy Wonders, and Pilgrim Harmonizers.
Transitioning to secular music, Clay signed with Chicago's One-derful! Records in 1965, releasing gospel-tinged soul tracks like "Flame In Your Heart" and "Tired Of Falling In (And Out Of) Love." His first R&B hit, "That's How It Is (When You're In Love)," reached No. 34 in 1967, followed by "A Lasting Love" at No. 48.
At Hi Records from 1971, Clay recorded classics under Willie Mitchell, with his biggest hit "Trying To Live My Life Without You" peaking at No. 24 on the R&B chart in 1972. He also released on Cotillion, Kayvette, Rounder, and Bullseye Blues, blending soul-blues styles.
Clay remained active with live albums like Soul Man: Live in Japan (1983) and gospel works such as Walk a Mile in My Shoes (2007). Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2013, he was known for powerful vocals and popularity in Europe, Japan, and the US.
I’ll Treat You Right
Written-By – Richard Kuebler, Tommy Tate
4:32
2 Thanks A Lot
Written-By – Lowell Fulson
3:37
3 Leave Me And My Woman Alone 4:15
4 Love Bone
Written-By – M. Hodges
4:32
5 Children Gone Astray
Written-By – Arthur Davis
5:08
6 Don't Burn The Bridge
Written-By – Jones, Wells
5:12
7 Back Away From It (Or Leave Me Alone)
Written-By – Roscoe Robbinson
4:40
8 Gonna Take My Heart's Advice
Written-By – Tommy Tate
4:54
9 Believe That
Written-By – T. Bingham
3:52
10 Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do
Written-By – Mike Duke
4:10
Label: Bullseye Blues – BB 9520
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1992
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul, Blues
Otis Clay's 1992 album, I'll Treat You Right, is generally praised as a strong comeback, showcasing his powerful, gritty soul-blues vocals across covers and originals, though some critics found the production a bit smooth; reviewers highlighted its deep Southern soul feel, Clay's interpretive skill, and standout tracks like "Thank a Lot," marking it as a significant R&B album of its time.
A blend of Southern soul and blues, featuring powerful, emotive vocals, with some notes of deeper, more traditional soul. Praised for Clay's remarkable range and heartfelt delivery, proving he was still a formidable soul singer.
Mostly covers of R&B, gospel, and blues standards, showcasing his versatility. Called a "solid new set of Southern soul and blues," highlighting Clay's "powerful, pliable, from-the-heart soul and gospel vocals" and "remarkable range".
Considered among the best R&B albums of 1992 by some, continuing the artistic success from his live comeback album in Japan. Some felt the instrumentation was too smooth or sterile, and some songs were "ordinary," but noted his vocal power.
In summary, I'll Treat You Right is seen as a successful return to form for Otis Clay, cementing his status as a master of soul and blues, even if some contemporary production choices weren't universally loved.
Trying To Live My Life Without You
Written-By – Eugene Williams 2:48
A2 I Die A Little Each Day
Written-By – Don Bryant 2:40
A3 Holding On To A Dying Love
Written-By – George Jackson, James Dotson, Ronald Townsend 3:00
A4 I Can´t Make It Alone
Written-By – Darryl Carter, Johnny Keyes 2:50
A5 That´s How It Is
Written-By – Monk Higgins, Maurice Dollison 3:37
B1 I Love You, I Need You
Written-By – Archie Bradley, Julius Bradley 5:45
B2 You Can´t Keep Running From My Love
Written-By – Bernard Miller, Bill Taylor, Don Bryant 2:47
B3 Precious Precious
Written-By – Dave Crawford, Jackie Moore 3:14
B4 Home Is Where The Heart Is
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher 2:50
B5 Too Many Hands
Written-By – Eugene Williams , Mabon Hodges 2:43
Label: Hi Records – XSHL 32075
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
Otis Clay's 1972 album Trying to Live My Life Without You is considered a high-quality, essential piece of Southern soul music, lauded for its stellar production and Clay's powerful, gospel-infused vocals. Though it falls slightly short of a masterpiece for some critics, it is widely recommended as a great introduction to his work.
The album is a prime example of the signature Hi Records sound, expertly produced by Willie Mitchell and featuring the label's impeccable house band, including the Memphis Horns and the backing vocalists Rhodes, Chalmers, and Rhodes. Critics praise the album for:
Willie Mitchell's production brings out the best in Clay, blending traditional soul with smooth '70s elements, including string arrangements, which were contemporary at the time.
Clay's performance is consistently strong, featuring a "raspy edge" and a "disciplined verve" that showcases his gospel roots and makes his music incredibly worthwhile.
The tracks are well-chosen, offering a consistent listening experience where every song is at least good, with several standout numbers.
The title track became Clay's biggest R&B hit, and later gained even more mainstream recognition through a popular cover by Bob Seger, underscoring the song's broad, cross-genre appeal.
For fans of deep southern soul and Memphis R&B, Trying to Live My Life Without You is highly recommended. It showcases Otis Clay at his peak during his tenure at Hi Records, delivering "soul perfection" through a collection of quality tunes with an "unreal" feel.
The album is often available as part of a two-disc set with his other Hi album, I Can't Take It, which is an excellent way to discover his work.