Otis Redding

Born Otis Ray Redding, Jr. in Dawson, Georgia on September 9, 1941, Redding’s family moved to Macon at a young age. In the late 50s, Redding met a local guitarist, Johnny Jenkins, who invited him to join his group called The Pinetoppers. The Pinetoppers were managed by Phil Walden, who would later manage The Allman Brothers Band. After a few years of working odd jobs and trying to make it as an artist, Redding recorded "These Arms of Mine" in 1962. The song was Redding’s first hit, reaching #20 on the R&B chart in 1963.

Known for his outstanding stage presence and soulful voice, Redding released several hits like "Satisfaction," "I’ve Been Loving You Too Long," and "Shake." In 1967, Redding's show-stealing performance at the Monterey Pop Festival introduced the singer to white rock fans. Soon after on December 6, Redding wrote "(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay." Four days later on December 10, Redding and four members of his backup band, The Bar-Kays, were killed in a plane crash. Redding was 26 years old. "(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay" was released on January 8, 1968 topping the charts on March 16 and eventually selling more than 4 million copies.

His music continues to inspire artists today. "Tramp" (1967), performed by Redding and Carla Thomas, was sampled by Salt N Pepa (1987). His song "Try A Little Tenderness" (1966) was sampled by Kanye and Jay-Z on their song "Otis" from their first collaborative album, Watch the Throne (2011). In 2024, Otis Redding received recognition as a Hollywood Walk of Fame Inductee!

Otis Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for our community through the education and empowerment of its youth. Prior to his untimely passing in 1967, Otis Redding was already awarding scholarships to young students continuing their education. After his death, his widow Mrs. Zelma Redding continued his philanthropic efforts, and established the Otis Redding Foundation in his honor in 2007. With its roots in music, the Foundation offers opportunities for youth to exercise their talents and expand their abilities.

With its roots in music, the Foundation offers opportunities for youth to exercise their talents and expand their abilities. Since 2008, the annual Otis Music Camp, presented every June, allows campers to participate in a high level of music education taught by key performers and music industry leaders. Students work for two weeks to write, record and perform their own songs at the highly-anticipated finale. The Otis Redding Center for the Arts offers vocal, piano, strings and percussion lessons and supports scholarships. In late 2024, the Center will move into its new 9,000 square foot home in downtown Macon.

As the Foundation continues to expand upon his iconic legacy, The Otis Redding Center for the Arts will be located steps away from Otis Redding’s 1960s Cotton Avenue office. This 15,000-square-foot arts center will house two stories with music & art labs, practice rooms, and a state of the art recording studio for students to explore songwriting, production, performance, and more. Outside, an amphitheater will open up onto Downtown Macon’s main thoroughfare and serve as a venue for student performances, a music-filled community gathering space, and a symbol of an enduring dream come to fruition. Construction for this incredible addition to Macon is well underway, with a proposed opening in late 2024.