July 2, 2009

Seal Recalls His Meeting With The Redding Family

It's taken Seal close to 20 years to announce his first Australian tour, so he's making sure he does it right. The British singer/songwriter, whose hits include Crazy and Kiss From A Rose, will tour the country for the first time in November, with shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

He jetted into Australia a few days ago to do some pre-tour research and indulge his passion for photography. "I haven't been here for 20 odd years, so I guess I'm really here to get a feel for when we come back here in November," Seal told AAP.

"It's something I'm really looking forward to but at the same time it's a place I haven't been to for such a long time that I think this is a perfect opportunity to get my teeth into it. "So far we're just having a riot being here, really enjoying it." It is not as if the Grammy Award-winner, who is married to supermodel Heidi Klum, needs to drum up interest in his tour. Since going on sale last month several shows have sold out with extra dates added in Melbourne and Sydney. Seal said he was thrilled to discover he has a lot of fans in Australia.

"That's obviously really a good feeling, especially when you consider Australia has the population of what, 22 million," he said. "So to see that you have that kind of a fan base in what is a comparatively small-populated country, to know you're given that kind of feedback in a country this far away from home, it's certainly a great feeling. On Tuesday night, Seal gave a small group of those fans a sneak preview of his live show, with an intimate performance for The Max Sessions, which will be screened on pay TV on July 18. The tour is in support of his latest album, Soul, which was released late last year, and features classics such as I Can't Stand the Rain, It's a Man's Man's Man's World, Stand by Me and People Get Ready.

With his husky baritone voice, producer David Foster said "Soul is the album Seal was born to sing". Seal said it's been going down well with audiences in the US. "A lot of these songs were born in America so they're going to perhaps be the most discerning of all, and the response that we've got has just been incredible," he said.

"I recently met with Otis Redding's family and they gave some of the greatest compliments. "They said they were quite proud, and they said Otis would have been proud, which made me feel really, really good."

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April 28, 2009

Michael Uslan, executive producer of The Dark Knight, pictured at the Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation's office after a visit to the exhibit "Otis Redding: I've Got Dreams to Remember" at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

  • Carolyn Killen - Assistant to Mrs. Redding-Andrews
  • Karla Redding-Andrews - Project Director for The Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation
  • Michael Uslan - Executive Producer of "The Dark Knight" movie
  • Elizabeth Davis - Asst. to Mr. Uslan
  • Lisa Love - Executive Director for the GA Music Hall of Fame
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    April 7, 2009

    GEORGIA MUSIC HALL OF FAME OTIS REDDING SINGER/SONGWRITER CAMP

    The Georgia Music Hall of Fame and The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation present the second annual Otis Redding Singer/Songwriter Camp June 22-26, 2009 at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon. The five-day music camp takes place from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily. Ages 13 to 17 are invited to participate. Lunch is included daily. The camp fee is $100.

    During the week-long program, campers will participate in:

  • Fundamentals of songwriting classes
  • Lyric-writing exercises
  • Instrumental accompaniment instruction
  • Vocal workshop
  • “Drumming for Success” workshop
  • Platinum Studio recording workshop
  • Overview of Georgia singer/songwriters, including Otis Redding
  • Performances & Q&A sessions with Georgia singer/songwriters
  • The Otis Redding Singer/Songwriter Camp is intended for students with varied musical knowledge. No previous experience musical experience is required; students at all levels are encouraged to attend.

    Parents will drop students off at 9 a.m. and pick them up at 4 p.m. On Friday, June 26, students will perform for family and friends in a casual reception to be held at 4:00 p.m.

    Space is limited. To reserve a spot in the Otis Redding Singer/Songwriter Camp for June 22-26, 2009, please complete the application and return it to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

    CLICK HERE to download the application.

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    February 19, 2009

    UGA honors music legend Otis Redding

    By Lee Shearer | www.onlineathens.com

    Otis Redding's daughter was only 5 when the great singer and songwriter died in a plane crash, cutting short an already-legendary career at the age of 26.

    But in the 41 years since, her father's legacy only has grown, said Karla Redding.

    "We see an increase not only in record sales, but an increased interest from young adults who briefly know of Otis Redding through their grandparents or their parents, but now they're taking the initiative to learn about Otis Redding more on their own," she said in an interview Tuesday before a tribute to Otis Redding at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education.

    The event, organized by UGA's Music Business Program, was staged to commemorate one of Redding's earliest recordings, "Shout Bamalama," recorded at a studio in the university's Center for Continuing Education in 1961.

    One of the most popular artists not just of the '60s, but in recording history - four of the songs Redding wrote and sang have played more than 21 million times on radio or TV, according to executives with BMI. The company collects license fees and distributes royalties for music writers and publishers.

    "Sweet Soul Music" has been played 3 million times; "Hard to Handle," 3 million; "Respect," 6 million; and "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," released the year after Redding's untimely death in 1967, 9 million times.

    The two-hour tribute was part scholarly, as Karla Redding, Redding estate manager Michael Mauldin and several prominent Georgia musicians answered questions about Redding's legacy and influence.

    But part was pure tribute, as a crowd of more than 300 people listened to Redding's songs performed by Georgia musicians including John Berry, Jimmy Hall, T. Graham Brown, Randall Bramblett and Alfred Cooper, who actually played with Redding.

    "Normally, I ain't nervous," said Brown as he got ready to sing "Dock of the Bay."

    But knowing Redding's widow, daughter and other relatives were listening - rock royalty - made Tuesday different.

    "I've been nervous all day," Brown said.

    Many people know Otis Redding as a performer and writer, but Redding also was ahead of his time as an entrepreneur, said Karla Redding, who speaks for the family.

    In an era when many black artists were ripped off by unscrupulous music industry executives and managers, Redding made sure before his death that his family would benefit from the music he left behind, she said..

    "He wanted to make sure other African American artists in his day knew that they needed to take care of themselves and their business, because after they couldn't sing anymore they still needed a check," she said.

    "He was certainly very business-savvy despite not being able to finish high school and not being able to attend a major university," she said.

    The Redding family has set up a charitable foundation called the Big O Foundation, which they hope furthers the great musician's legacy, she said.

    "He wanted to motivate people and inspire young people to stay in school, through music and the arts," she said.

    The family foundation holds summer camps for youngsters in Macon, has awarded scholarships to students studying music in college and has given support to some college music programs, she said.

    Karla Redding's personal goal is to make sure the world appreciates her father's place in American music, she said.

    "I want to just let people know his importance in the lives of musicians. There's not any genre of music that Otis Redding does not touch," she said.

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    December 19, 2008

    Don't Miss These Upcoming Otis Redding Events

    February 17, 2009 - Special tribute to Otis Redding at the University of Georgia; Athens, GA.

    Extended Through April 2009 - Otis Redding: From Macon To Memphis Exhibit at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music; Memphis, TN.

    Extended Through April 2009 - Otis Redding: I've Got Dreams To Remember Exhibit at the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame; Macon, GA.

    June 22-26, 2009 - 2nd Annual Otis Redding Singer/Songwriter Camp at the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame in conjunction with the Redding Estate; Macon, GA.

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    November 14, 2008

    Otis Redding Named #8 On Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Singers Of All Time"

    Rolling Stone magazine has named Otis Redding #8 on their list of the “100 Greatest Singers Of All Time.” Among those included are Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke and John Lennon. The magazine surveyed 179 musicians, producers, Rolling Stone editors, and industry insiders to compile the rockin’ roundup.

    Putting an interesting twist on the list, Rolling Stone had artists like Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Bono, and Billy Joel write the entries about the greats.

    Head to rollingstone.com to check out the full list and sample playlists of the Greatest Singers.

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    October 6, 2008

    Album review: 'Live! London and Paris,' by Otis Redding

    People who are only familiar with Aretha Franklin’s infinitely-more-famous cover of “Respect” may find Otis Redding’s original a little jarring.

    It’s a high-energy blast of screaming soul, and it was just one of the many tremendous numbers that won Redding a whole new hippie audience, beginning with his incendiary performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, where he killed an audience that had originally come to see Jimi Hendrix and the Who, but left as freshly-devoted Otis-heads.

    Culled from that same ’67 tour, "Live!" compiles two performances from the London and Paris legs of Redding’s tour with Stax Records’ killer house band, and it holds up just as well today as it did more than 40 years ago.

    In fact, it’s hard to believe these concerts haven’t been released before now.

    Despite songs appearing twice over the course of the two shows, things never drag. From his uptempo reading of the Temptations’ “My Girl” to the throat-ripping pleading in ballads like “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” and “These Arms of Mine,” oldies fans that only know Redding for “Dock of the Bay” will find a completely different beast at work on "Live!"

    Even the covers are excellent, from “Satisfaction” to a chugging version of the Beatles’ “Day Tripper,” which practically causes a nuclear meltdown at the London show.

    If you’ve seen Redding’s Monterey performance, you already know what to expect from "Live!" But if you haven’t, it’s essential listening, the sound of one of America’s soul giants taking his rightful place in the pantheon

  • CLICK HERE
  • To Purchase Your Copy Today!!!

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    September 12, 2008

    Redding Family & GA Music Hall of Fame to Extend Award-Winning Otis Redding Exhibition

    Mrs. Zelma Redding, wife of the late Otis Redding, and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon announced tonight that the exhibition, Otis Redding: I've Got Dreams to Remember, scheduled to close tomorrow, will remain on display through April 19, 2009. “The public response since we opened this exhibit a year ago has been simply incredible,” Mrs. Redding said. “Fans have come from all over the world, expressing love not only for my husband's music, but also for our efforts in sharing his legacy through this exhibit. It's clearly been a huge success for the museum and a very rewarding experience for our family. We are honored to be able to extend the exhibit through next spring.”

    Named “Museum Exhibition of the Year” by the Georgia Association of Museum and Galleries in January, Otis Redding: I've Got Dreams to Remember opened on Sept. 14, 2007 as part of a series of events commemorating the 40th anniversary of the soul icon's passing. Lisa Love, director of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame said, “While the Otis Redding exhibit has clearly driven increases in attendance and retail sales, nothing has energized our staff more than the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the public. We've seen visitors sing, dance and cry, and they have filled the exhibit guest books with hundreds of stirring comments. We couldn't be more thrilled or honored to see the exhibit remain a while longer.”

    The Georgia Music Hall of Fame is located at 200 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in downtown Macon and is open 9 - 5 Monday through Saturday and 1 - 5 on Sundays. Admission prices are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, military and college students with ID; and $3.50 for ages 4-17. For more information about the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, visit www.georgiamusic.org or call 478-751-3334. For information on the Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation, founded by the Redding family to provide progress through education and enlightenment through music, visit www.otisredding.com.

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    September 9, 2008

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY OTIS REDDING!!!

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    September 7, 2008

    GA Music Hall of Fame Offers Free Admission to Public During Otis Redding Birthday Remembrance

    The Georgia Music Hall of Fame announces that on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, the museum will be open free to the public from 6 - 9 p.m. for the Otis Redding Birthday Remembrance. The exhibition, Otis Redding: I’ve Got Dreams to Remember, scheduled to close Sept. 10, will be on view, refreshments will be served and the short program will include musical selections by The Crawford Ensemble, the gospel choir from Twiggs County, and students who attended the Otis Redding Singer/Songwriter Camp in June.

    Lisa Love, director of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, said, “The Redding family and I decided opening the museum free to the public during the Remembrance would be a very appropriategesture, in recognition not only of Otis Redding’s birthday, but also his dedication to this community. Otis Redding understood giving back, even at such a young age, and in honor of him, we want to do the same.” Otis Redding was only 26 years old when his life was tragically cut short on Dec. 10, 1967, in a plane crash en route to a performance in Madison, Wisconsin.

    Named “Museum Exhibition of the Year” by the Georgia Association of Museum and Galleries in January, Otis Redding: I've Got Dreams to Remember opened on Sept. 14, 2007 as part of a series of events commemorating the 40th anniversary of the soul icon's passing. The exhibition explores Redding's musical evolution as a singer, songwriter, arranger, producer and performer. Organized by the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Otis Redding Estate and curated by Ellen Fleurov, president of Crossroads Traveling Exhibitions of Atlanta, Otis Redding: I’ve Got Dreams to Remember features rare performance footage, multi-media kiosks and over 175 artifacts, most from the personal collection of Mrs. Zelma Redding, including hand-written lyrics, documents, memorabilia, photographs, poster, records and more.

    The Georgia Music Hall of Fame is located at 200 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in downtown Macon and is open 9 - 5 Monday through Saturday and 1 - 5 on Sundays. Admission prices are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, military and college students with ID; and $3.50 for ages 4-17. For more information about the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, visit www.georgiamusic.org or call 478-751-3334. For information on the Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation, founded by the Redding family to provide progress through education and enlightenment through music, visit www.otisredding.com.

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    August 15, 2008

    Exclusive Otis Redding Merchandise Now Available!

    Colors: Black | Sizes: S-XL

    Colors: Navy or Brown | Sizes: S-XL

    Please call 478.742.5737 to purchase today!

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    July 28, 2008

    Otis Redding Honored With The "Original Mogul" Award

    Usher presenting Zelma Redding the "Original Mogul" award in honor of Otis Redding.

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    July 17, 2008

    First Otis Redding Singer/Songwriter Camp Proves a Success!

    The inaugural Otis Redding Singer/Songwriter Camp was held at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon June 23-27, 2008, and proved a resounding success. “This camp exemplified not only the dreams of our family, but especially my father’s,” said Karla Redding Andrews, daughter of the late Otis Redding and Director of The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation, which sponsored the camp.

    The camp brought together 16 students ages 12 through 18 for a week of intensive songwriting sessions, educational workshops and performances by artists. The week began with an in-depth tour of the exhibition, Otis Redding: I’ve Got Dreams to Remember, on display at the Hall of Fame, and included an Otis Redding Heritage Tour of Macon in the afternoon along with the campers from the Tubman African American Museum.

    Instructors who worked one-on-one with the campers on songwriting included Georgia Music Hall of Fame Education Coordinator Jared Wright; Macon singer/songwriter Abby Owens; Bruce Burch and Keith Perissi of the Music Business Program at the University of Georgia; and Steve Dancz, head of the Jazz Studies program at UGA.

    Campers were treated to performances by Georgia singer/songwriters including Tomi Martin and Trina Meade, of Atlanta group Three5Human; Savannah jazz/hip-hop artist Brittany Bosco; Atlanta singer/songwriter Sonia Leigh, accompanied by Levi Lowery on fiddle; and Macon duo Abby Owens and Vic Stanley. All artists participated in candid Q&A sessions with the students.

    Acclaimed singer, songwriter and vocal coach Jan Smith of Atlanta held a session on the fundamentals of singing, while Dr. Arvin Scott of the Hugh Hudsgon School of Music at UGA, presented his popular “Drumming for Success” workshop. Tracey and Andrea Crumb, owners of Platinum Sound & Media in Macon, invited the campers for a tour of their state-of-the-art facility and graciously oversaw the recording and production of four songs, written and performed by four groups of 3-6 campers each.

    Some of the comments posted by the campers include:

    “I’m inspired to write and perform my own stuff! Dusty McCook, 14

    “I wish we had this camp every day or every week. I love this camp. It has really broadened my horizons, meeting new, inspiring people. This program has really changed my life. Same time, next year? Janeal Fordham, 14

    Thank you. This was great and I learned a lot. Fred Burton, 16

    Thanks for giving me this great chance. Victoria Rios, 14

    The next Otis Redding Singer/Songwriter Camp will be held June 22-26, 2009. Otis Redding: I’ve Got Dreams to Remember is on display through Sept. 10, 2008. The Georgia Music Hall of Fame is located at 200 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Macon and is open 9 – 5 Monday through Saturday and 1 – 5 on Sundays. Admission prices are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, military and college students with ID, and $3.50 for ages 4-16. For more information, contact Lisa Love (llove@georgia.org) or 478-751-3334.

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    May 21, 2008

    Zelma Redding Honored By The Girl Scouts Of Middle Georgia

    Thursday, May 15, Zelma Redding was honored by the Girl Scouts of Middle Georgia during their 3rd Annual "Women of Distinction" ceremonies.

    The "Women of Distinction" program celebrates women from the middle Georgia area who have made significant contributions to their communities.

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    May 5, 2008

    Rolling Stone Magazine's 5 STAR Review of "Otis Blue"

    This two—cd set doubles the pleasure of Otis Redding's third album with B sides, outtakes, period live tracks and the entire record in mono and stereo versions. But Otis Blue was already perfect in its original 11—song edition when released in September 1965 — an achievement that is even more remarkable because all but one of the tracks were recorded inside 24 hours, in two lightning sessions at the Stax studio in Memphis, on July 9th and in the early morning of the 10th. The reason for the intermission: The house band — including Booker T. and the MG's, and the Memphis Horns — had to cut out for local gigs. The haste is evident: In his Dixie—heat treatment of the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction," Redding sings "satis—fashion." But the urgency is all—natural. He barks and grunts in excited polyrhythm with Al Jackson's off—the—beat drum breaks in Sam Cooke's "Shake" and takes Southern—church liberties with the refined ecstasies of Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come."

    Redding had only two new originals ready for this record, the deep—wound blues "Ole Man Trouble" (with its great sobbing—brass lick) and the male—pride strut "Respect." A third included on the album, the majestic surrender of "I've Been Loving You Too Long" (written with Jerry Butler), was cut earlier and was already Redding's biggest single to date. But amid R&B—gig standards like the Temptations' "My Girl," the melodic invention in Redding's songs and the emotional investment in his performances mark the point at which he stopped merely singing soul music. He now created his own, at a high speed reflected in the stereo rerecording of "I've Been Loving You Too Long." Done at the July sessions, it is slower in tempo, magnificent in its anguish and even closer to genius.

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    April 18, 2008

    Otis Redding's Family Coming To Stax Museum For Public Events

    On Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18, 2008 the Soulsville Foundation will once again make history when Otis Redding's family will be our special guests and events participants on two very exciting evenings. Representing the family will be Otis' three children, Otis III and Dexter Redding and Karla Redding-Andrews.

    All will be special guests on Saturday, May 17th at the Stax Music Academy SNAP! After School Spring Concert at the University of Memphis' Michael D. Rose Theater. Otis III and Dexter will perform with the students. All ensembles will be featured during the concert - Stax Music Academy Rhythm Section, StreetCorner Harmonies, Premier Percussionists, and the Soulsville Swing Band, as well as The Soulsville Charter School's Soulsville Symphony Orchestra. Also starring as a speical guest is the academy's Artist in Residence, internationally acclaimed saxophonist Kirk Whalum.

    The concert is at 7 p.m. and admission is just $5!

    On Sunday, May 18th, the Redding family will be our guests for our "Conversations With The Reddings" panel discussion/Q&A, along with others who knew Otis Redding well, including Ben Cauley, the only Bar-Kay band member on board the plane to survive the tragic crash on December 10, 1967 near Madison, Wisconsin, which took the life of Redding at the age of 26. This event will take place in the Stax Museum's intimate Studio A. The discussion will not only focus on Otis Redding the phenomenal entertainer, but also Otis Redding the loving father and husband.

    "Conversations With the Reddings" will take place from 5 - 7 p.m. $10 general admission and free to Stax Museum members.

    THE STAX MUSEUM'S SPECIAL EXHIBIT IN STUDIO A, "OTIS REDDING: FROM MACON TO MEMPHIS - AN EXHIBIT FROM THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF ZELMA REDDING," HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 31ST.

    For more information, please call 901-946-2535 or visit www.staxmuseum.com.

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    April 14, 2008

    Otis Blue Collectors Edition Reviewed

    The moment when that stab of trumpet fanfare slices through the ending of Otis Redding’s version of Sam Cooke’s “Change Gonna Come” has to be accounted on the great moments in the recorded history of American popular music. He was, by some lights, the greatest soul performer after Ray Charles (and yes I include the gymnastic James Brown) but so truncated was his life that the almost- autumnal and final “Sitting by the Dock of the Bay” is all that so many people knew of him for far too long. Few today are the people who know that “Respect” is his song, not Aretha Franklin’s and that Redding’s is the original version (such was the force of historic change when Aretha’s version first came out.) You won’t find “Dock of the Bay” here in this tremendous remastered anthology of some Redding records, full of extraordinary alternates and single versions of Redding classics. What you’ll find here, it seems to me, is the one Otis Redding set no home should be without, with its rasping magic and energy that just seems to get better as the years go on.

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    April 9, 2008

    Otis Blue Deluxe Set Coming April 22

    Rhino Entertainment presents the Collector's Edition release of Otis Redding's Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sing's Soul CD available on April 22nd. Neither Otis Redding nor any of the members of the Stax house band had any idea that they were about to make soul music history when they entered the recording studio on July 9, 1965. The big-voiced soul singer from Macon, Georgia was on the brink of breaking big when he recorded his third, full-length album in one amazing adrenaline-charged twenty-four hour period. Rhino gives "Respect" to an album most soul music aficionados call one of the greatest of all time with an expanded and remastered Collector's Edition of OTIS BLUE: OTIS REDDING SINGS SOUL. The two-disc set will be available in stores and at www.rhino.com April 22

    The first disc features a remastered version of the original album in mono expanded with previously unreleased alternate mixes of "Respect,""Ole Man Trouble," and "I've Been Loving You Too Long," as well as remastered tracks from Redding's explosive live album Live At The Whisky A Go Go. The second disc contains a remastered version of the original album in stereo expanded with a version of "Respect" recorded in 1967, plus five songs recorded live in Europe the same year featuring Redding backed onstage by Booker T. & The MG's and horn players Wayne Jackson, Joe Arnold, and Andrew Love.

    At the time OTIS BLUE was recorded, the inimitable singer was enjoying the phenomenal success of his highest charting single to date, "I've Been Loving You Too Long," a song he wrote with Chicago R&B great Jerry Butler.The sessions for OTIS BLUE represented a quantum leap for both Redding and the Stax house band of Booker T. & The MG's, Isaac Hayes, and the Mar-Key horns (the latter at this point consisting of Wayne Jackson, Andrew Love, and Floyd Newman, with Bowlegs Miller guesting on second trumpet). Whereas on many of Redding's earlier recordings he sounded tentative -- feeling his way through a song -- on Otis Blue he roars like a locomotive.

    The 11-song album features three original tunes, including his then recent hit "I've Been Loving You Too Long," "Ole Man Trouble," and "Respect." In addition to his originals, Redding also recorded a trio of Sam Cooke songs as a tribute to the recently slain singer, who had been a seminal influence on him. Rounding out the album is a strutting version of Solomon Burke's "Down In The Valley" (whom Otis had recently toured with), B.B. King's "Rock Me Baby," label mate William Bell's quintessential southern soul ballad, "You Don't Miss Your Water" and left field covers of the Temptations' "My Girl" and The Rolling Stones'"Satisfaction."

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    February 6, 2008

    Georgia Music Hall of Fame Earns Award for Otis Redding Exhibition

    On Jan. 25, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame received the “Museum Exhibition of the Year” Award by the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries (GAMG) for Otis Redding: I’ve Got Dreams to Remember. The Category 1 Award (over $100,000) recognized the Macon-based museum “for excellence in collaboration and creativity in portraying the visionary spirit of a Georgia native son.”

    Otis Redding: I’ve Got Dreams to Remember, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the soul icon’s passing, was organized by the Georgia Music Hall of Fame with guest curator Ellen Fleurov, president of Crossroads Traveling Exhibitions of Atlanta, and the Otis Redding Estate. The exhibition drew from Zelma Redding’s extensive private collection, the Stax Museum of American Soul in Memphis and photographers and collectors from around the world. Over 175 artifacts including hand-written lyrics, poster, letters, albums and photographs vividly tell the story of Redding’s rise to international stardom. Rare performance footage and multi-media kiosks allow visitors to experience Redding’s musical evolution as a singer, composer, arranger, producer and performer.

    Otis Redding: I’ve Got Dreams to Remember is on display through Sept. 10, 2008.

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    December 11, 2007

  • 40 years later, fans still love Otis Redding
  • Paying Tribute To Otis Redding After 40 Years
  • Otis Redding at The Factory: One night only in Madison
  • Macon Honors Otis Redding
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    December 7, 2007

    Check out these great stories on Otis Redding!

  • From 'Conchords' to 'Unseen Beatles,' these DVDs sing
  • A Blues for Otis: The Life and Legacy of a Soul Legend
  • Otis Redding Tributes Celebrate His Life & Music
  • The pleasure of meeting Ben Cauley
  • Redding Honored With Memphis Exhibition
  • Otis Redding Exhibit to Open at Stax
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    December 6, 2007

    Otis Redding to be acknowledged on the "Tom Joyner Morning Show" on December 10, 2007!

    CLICK HERE for more information.

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    November 30, 2007

    OTIS REDDING TRIBUTES CELEBRATE HIS LIFE AND MUSIC: December 10, 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of the tragic plane crash that took Redding’s life

    December 10, 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of the death of one of popular music’s most influential icons, Otis Redding. Named #21 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” list, Redding emerged onto the music scene in the early ‘60s, quickly establishing himself as a superstar artist and savvy businessman. His string of timeless hits includes, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” “Satisfaction,” “Try A Little Tenderness,” and “Respect.” “Respect,” which Redding wrote in 1965, was a Top 10 hit for him and later became a #1 smash for Aretha Franklin.

    He was only 26 years old when his own twin engine Beechcraft went down in the icy waters of Lake Monona taking his life together with his pilot and four members of The Bar-Kays, who were Redding’s touring band. The only survivor, Ben Cauley, was a member of the Bar-Kays. Redding had released numerous hit albums and singles prior to his death and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay,” released posthumously, became his 17th straight hit, first million seller and one of his most popular songs.

    Tributes celebrating Redding’s life and music include:

    Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center will hold a special tribute on December 3, 2007 with special guests Ben Cauley and Craig Inciardi, Curator from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The free program is open to the public and will conclude with a screeningof Dreams to Remember: The Legacy of Otis Redding. Fans will have an opportunity to view the Redding memorial on the roof of the Center. www.communityevents.mononaterrace.com

    Atlanta Tribune Magazine will induct Otis Redding into their Hall of Fame on December 4th at a dinner in Atlanta. Other inductees include Little Richard, Dottie Peoples and John Peek. www.atlantatribune.com

    Georgia Music Hall of Fame memorial reception on December 10th will commemorate Redding’s love of Macon and his commitment to his community. The reception is free to the public and will give people an opportunity to view the exhibit, Otis Redding: I’ve Got Dreams To Remember, which is on display until September10, 2008. www.georgiamusic.org

    The Stax Museum of American Soul Music will celebrate Otis’ life with a special exhibition from the private collection of Zelma Redding. This never-before-shown collection of family photographs, telegrams, hand-written lyrics and other mementos pay homage to not only the musical giant, but also the loving husband and father. This exhibit runs from December 10, 2007 through April 30, 2008. www.soulsvilleusa.com

    The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame’s soul exhibit, which prominently features Otis Redding, will be adding new items to their exhibit on loan from the private collection of Zelma Redding. www.rockhall.com

    Dreams To Remember: The Legacy of Otis Redding, was released on DVD in September by Reelin’ in the Years Productions and Stax Records to critical acclaim. It includes interviews with Otis’ widow, Zelma Redding, musicians Steve Cropper and Wayne Jackson and Stax co-founder Jim Stewart. It also features rare performance footage including a live performance of Try A Little Tenderness and Respect taped in a Cleveland, Ohio studio the day before the plane crash.

    Earlier this year the Redding family launched the Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation in an effort to continue Redding’s dream of encouraging and assisting youth by enhancing their lives through education and the arts. www.otisredding.com

    For More Information:

    W&W Public Relations, Inc, Aliya Crawford/Patti Webster, 732-469-5955, Aliya@w-wpr.com/Patti@w-wpr.com

    W&W Public Relations, Inc. - West, Karen Lee, 310-283-9171, KL364@aol.com

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    October 12, 2007

    Photos from Evening of Respect 2007 now up in the gallery!

    L-R: Dexter Redding, Kenny Lattimore, Chante' Moore, Diana DeGarmo & Otis Redding III. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

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    October 3, 2007

    Congratulations to all the winners from the Tubman Museum Art Contest that was held as part of the week long tribute to Otis Redding!!!

    L-R: Tom Woodbery (Security Bank), Sharon Jones (Alphagraphics), Jin Park (3rd place winner), Charity Wilcoxson (honorable mention winner), LaGarret George (1st place winner), Anita Ponder (Tubman Museum), J.D. Collins (Tubman Torchbearers)

    Morgen Montgomery (2nd place winner) and Zelma Redding

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    September 25, 2007

    OTIS REDDING STILL GIVING US 'SATISFACTION': 40th Anniversary of Iconic Singer's Death Benefits Youth Educational Dream Foundation.

    The family of Otis Redding ended a week of events commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the iconic singer's passing (December 10, 2007) in their hometown of Macon , Georgia.

    Ranked #21 on Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" list, Redding's legacy includes a string of timeless hits including "I've Been Loving You Too Long," "Satisfaction," "Try a Little Tenderness," "Respect" and "(Sittin' on the) Dock of the Bay."

    The week long commemoration, which benefits The Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation, included a musical tribute hosted by special guests Kenny Lattimore and Chanté Moore with performances by Dexter and Otis Redding, III (The Reddings), The Macon Symphony Orchestra, the Bar-Kays, Taj Mahal and American Idol finalist, Diana DeGarmo. An audience of over 2,000 were in attendance, including Macon Mayor, C. Jack Ellis, Congressman Jim Marshall (D-Ga. 8th District), Michael L. Thurmond, Labor Commissioner, State of Georgia and Kenneth L. Stewart, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Development.

    "It was an evening to remember," stated Redding 's widow, Zelma. "Seeing my sons perform Otis' music with the Bar-Kays brought back so many memories of Otis' days performing with that band. It was an excellent evening and we raised over $100,000 for The Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation."

    Another highlight of the week was the opening of Otis Redding: I've Got Dreams To Remember, a multimedia, interactive exhibit which includes 175 artifacts including photographs, handwritten lyrics, posters, letters and other memorabilia that tell the story of Redding 's rise to international stardom. Multimedia kiosks enable visitors to experience his musical evolution as a singer, composer, arranger, producer and performer.

    "The response to the Otis Redding: I've Got Dreams To Remember" exhibit has been incredible," stated Lisa Love, Executive Director of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. "We expect to have record numbers of visitors viewing the exhibit during the next year." Otis Redding: I've Got Dreams to Remember was curated by Ellen Fleurov, president of Crossroads Traveling Exhibitions and will be display through September 8, 2008.

    The week of events also included a talent show and sidewalk portrait dedication at the Historic Douglas Theatre , where Redding won 14 talent contests in his youth; an art competition at the Tubman African American Museum; a premiere of the DVD, Dreams To Remember: The Legacy of Otis Redding (releasing September 18, 2007), a jazz concert and a gospel tribute.

    The Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation was created by Zelma Redding and her family to empower youth to remain confident, motivated and interested in education through music and arts programs. It was always a personal mission of Redding 's to encourage young people to stay in school. Before his passing, he had developed programs to be held at his ranch where he invited people from all areas of the music industry to lecture to children on the importance of education and learning. Of her husband's efforts, Zelma Redding says, "Otis would tell me, 'if it takes music to get the attention of these young people, then let's educate them through music."

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    September 9, 2007

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY OTIS REDDING

    September 9, 1941 - December 10, 1967...A Legend Never Forgotten, A Legacy Everlasting

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    September 8, 2007

    THE OFFICIAL OTIS REDDING STORE IS NOW OPEN

    CLICK HERE to purchase "Dreams To Remember: The Legacy of Otis Redding."

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    September 5, 2007

    Don't miss the Wes Side Story on Otis Redding tonight on 11 Alive News....CLICK HERE for more info.

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    August 24, 2007

    CLICK HERE to listen to "Karla Redding on her dad, Otis Redding;" brought to you by the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

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    CLICK HERE for larger image

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    Stax Records' 50th Anniversary

    Dexter and Otis Redding III were on hand to perform, in their father's honor, celebrating Stax Records' 50th Anniversary. The labels legendary lineup reunited on stage for "50 Years of Stax: A Concert to Benefit The Stax Museum of American Soul Music." The event was held June 22 at Memphis' historic Orpheum Theater at the foot of Beale Street.

    L-R: Otis Redding III, Dexter Redding, Randy Jackson and Michael Mauldin

    Click Here to enter the Official Otis Redding Online Store.

    CLICK HERE To Purchase The "Otis Blue" 2-Disc Collectors Edition!

    CLICK HERE to purchase "Dreams To Remember: The Legacy of Otis Redding" on DVD.

    Buy Otis Redding Music At iTunes

    Buy Otis Redding Merchandise at The Georgia Music Hall Of Fame Online Store

    The Official Otis Redding Store . Rhino Records . iTunes . Stax Museum of American Soul Music . Georgia Music Hall of Fame

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