2 FEBRUARY 1966
Otis Redding and the team at Stax were able to capitalise on that relative lack of UK success by releasing 'My Girl' as a single there in late 1965, and reaching a peak position of #11 with it during this week in 1966. This single was not released in the US.
The song highlights the difference between Motown’s smoother soul sound and the more bluesy hard-edged approach of Stax. Otis certainly stamped his own sound on the song, instead of just mimicking the original. This was produced by the great Steve Cropper, guitarist with Booker T and the MGs, who can be seen providing backup for Otis in the video above.
Released: 1965
Recorded: Stax Studios, Memphis, Tennessee: 1965
Highest chart position: #11 (UK)
Highest chart position: #11 (UK)
Length: 2:52
'I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl)
I've got so much honey the bees envy me
I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl)
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Ooh
I don't need no money, fortune, or fame
I've got all the riches baby one man can claim
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl)
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
With my girl
I've even got the month of May
With my girl'