In September ’24, the Texan psychedelic soul band, Black Pumas, invited an extra special guest on stage to sing one of America’s greatest songs: “Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay.” But for this super-chill and stripped-down rendition, the Pumas didn’t invite a fellow soul star, but one of rock’s greatest frontmen: Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, to take on the legendary hit.
Together, the combo have stolen over 11K views on YouTube in the first three weeks of the clip’s YouTube upload, and it’s no struggle to see why they’re going so viral. Eddie Vedder, renowned for rock hits including “Even Flow” and “Alive,” takes on the peaceful pop hit au naturel like it’s his own track, his iconic voice perfectly attuned to this bluesy rendition of Otis Redding’s greatest and final song.
The Black Pumas’ frontman and guitarist, Eric Burton, cleanly voices the chords as the crowd howls, realizing the hit they’re about to hear. There’s something entirely magical about Eric’s performance; restrained yet passionate like Otis’ original, before Eddie (aged 58 at the time) blows the crowd away with his unexpectedly flawless verses. The crowd howls in surprise, especially after hearing Eric’s shockingly high notes, clapping on Eddie’s cue and even whistling that legendary riff as Eric f
You may also like...
- Article Continues Below -
Not featured in this video is the other half of the Austin, Texas duo, Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas. The eight-time Grammy nominee, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter founded the band alongside Eric, and undoubtedly joined The Black Pumas’ 2024 tour from which this vid has been recorded. Yet, apparently, he took a step back to place Eddie Vedder firmly in the limelight for this breathtaking cover.
The Black Pumas released their debut eponymous album in 2019, followed by a second LP, “Chronicles of a Diamond,” in 2023. Eddie Vedder, meanwhile, launched his career with Pearl Jam back in 1991 with the debut album, “Ten,” since releasing a further 11 albums with the band, alongside three solo albums. As one of the most illustrious rock stars alive today, Eddie and Pearl Jam were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 and released their most recent album, “Dark Matter,” in 2024.
Otis Redding’s “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” boasts a vibrant legacy itself; being one of the last songs recorded by the soul star supposedly three days before his untimely death in a plane crash. It became the first posthumous single to hit #1 on the US charts, cementing itself in pop history for its vivid and timeless animations of a Californian waterfront meditation, rather than its tragic backstory.
If you would like to hear more from The Black Pumas, you can subscribe to their YouTube Channel for more incredible music. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website to stay updated on their latest performances and releases.