, the iconic Memphis, TN label that launched the careers of Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, the Bar-Kays and many others, and shaped the sound of soul music, died Monday at the age of 92.
As a producer, he oversaw sessions for Carla Thomas’ “Gee Whiz” , Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Comin’” and Rufus Thomas’ “Walking the Dog” , and worked on such albums as Booker T. & The M.G.’s Green Onions , Redding’s Pain in My Heart and Albert King’s Born Under a Bad Sign . Stewart’s legacy “will live on through the Stax Records label that he founded, and the artists, musicians, and fans worldwide that love Stax music. I’m not sure if he ever realized the immense impact that he had on soul music across the globe, and he will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to his friends and family, especially his children and grandchildren.”
Following the untimely death of Redding in 1967, Stax would recalibrate and unearth a new fresh crop of stars, including Isaac Hayes, the Staple Singers, and the Dramatics.
RIP