With a reputation for heartfelt performances and warm, intimate sets, Celtic Thunder’s Keith Harkin continues to capture hearts — and his recent acoustic rendition of Otis Redding’s iconic “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was no exception. But this time, it wasn’t just his voice that stole the show — it was the tender presence of his young son, Weylyn Dean, beside him at home.
In a performance that felt less like a recording and more like a treasured family moment, Harkin strummed through the timeless soul tune with the ease of a seasoned artist, while Weylyn sat nearby in a scene that melted viewers around the world.
Watch his performance below.
What elevated the cover beyond its sweet father-son aesthetic was Harkin’s pitch-perfect whistling — a nod to Redding’s signature outro — delivered with such finesse that many fans noted it felt like stepping back in time.
“Of course, love hearing your epic mastery of whistling!! You know few can do that!” one YouTube fan gushed, while another declared, “Keith, you started whistling and my kitten woke up and started watching the video!”
The acoustic video, posted to Harkin’s channel, quickly garnered a flood of emotional responses. One user wrote, “I love seeing you interact with Weylyn. He’s adorable!” while another joked, “I just can’t get over how much Weylyn looks like you — he’s definitely your mini-me!”
Harkin, long celebrated for his work with Celtic Thunder and his solo career, is no stranger to delivering moving performances. But fans seem to agree that the addition of his son brought a unique kind of magic. “It would be so fun to see snippets of you and Weylyn together once a week,” a commenter wrote. “This was just too cute not to love.”
About the song “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was co-written by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper in 1967, just days before Redding’s tragic death in a plane crash. The song marked a departure from his usual soul style, blending R&B with folk and pop influences.
Its laid-back rhythm, introspective lyrics, and unforgettable whistling outro made it an instant classic. Released posthumously in 1968, it became Redding’s biggest hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and timeless sound.