In 1979 to 1980, Dexter, Otis III, and Mark recorded their first album,
The Awakening, with producers Russell Timmons and Nick Mann at the Believe in a Dream studio, which was located in downtown Washington, D.C. In December 1980, a single from the album, "Remote Control," went to #6 on the
Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, and peaked at #89 on the
Billboard Hot 100. Written by Nick Mann, Bill Beard, and Chet Fortune of the
Washington, D.C.–based songwriting team of Last Colony Music, the tune was also
sampled in an episode of the 1980s television programme,
WKRP in Cincinnati. "Remote Control" continues to receive airplay in countries including Belgium, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. In addition, the album's title track, "The Awakening" received significant airplay. A bass-drums-duet, this song is often covered live by
Les Claypool (
Primus) and on his album
Highball with the Devil. The Reddings continued to release albums throughout the 1980s, scoring other minor hits on the charts. Their sixth and final album,
The Reddings was released on November 26, 1988, reaching a peak position of #88 on the US
Billboard album chart. It featured a hit single "Call The Law," which reached peak position of #16 on the
Billboard Hot Black Singles Chart on November 26, 1988. On April 18, 2023, Otis Redding III died of cancer at the age of 59. ==Discography==