"(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay" is...

..."the sixth-most-played composition on American radio and television in the 20th century," according to an article in the Times today. Really? There's more (my emphasis):

It has gone triple platinum and been covered by artists from Cher to Bob Dylan. Rolling Stone named it No. 26 on its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. To celebrate its endurance across 50 years, the Otis Redding Foundation is organizing a benefit concert on Thursday at the Apollo Theater, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and featuring a lineup including Warren Haynes, Aloe Blacc and Booker T. Jones. The Dap-Kings and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band will provide the backup.

Again, really? I think "Runnin' Blue," above -- inspired by Redding's hit -- by the Doors is a better song.

Released in 1969 on The Soft Parade -- the Doors' fourth album -- "Runnin' Blue" was written and sung in part by Robby Krieger. The jazz-influenced album was a departure for the band, as it incorporated string and orchestral arrangements for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and local jazz horn players. "Runnin' Blue," in particular, also included a mandolin and fiddle.

It's not my favorite Doors album -- I like the first and last (sixth) better -- but "Runnin' Blue" is probably my favorite song from that release.

P. S.  In early 1967, Redding also wrote "Respect," a song commandeered by Aretha Franklin. I did not know that.