• Named #8 on Rolling Stone Magazine's "100 Greatest Singers Of All Time" list, 2008
• The Original Mogal Award, presented by Usher, 2008
• Induction; Hollywood's Rock Walk, Hollywood, CA, 2007
• Induction; Atlanta Tribune The Magazine Hall Of Fame, 2007
• Inception of the "Otis Redding Excellence Award" by Billboard Magazine (First award recipient - Jermaine Dupri), 2006
• Received the Legacy Award from the Rythmn & Blues Foundation, 2006
• BMI Citation, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay,” 8 million airplay performances, 2006
• Platinum Album, The Very Best of Otis Redding, 2004
• Statue, Bronze 7 ft. tall. Dedicated in Gateway Park, Macon, GA, 2002
• Gold Album, The Very Best of Otis Redding, 2002
• Otis Redding Memorial Park, Memphis, TN, Dedicated 2001
• BMI Citation “Respect,” airplay performances, 2001
• BMI Citation, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay,” 7 million airplay performances, 2001
• BMI Citation, “Sweet Soul Music,” airplay performances, Otis Redding, Songwriter, 2001
• Grammy, Lifetime Achievement Award, 1999
• Road named in Otis' honor, Otis Redding Drive; Jones County, GA, 1995
• Songwriter’s Hall of Fame Inductee, National Academy of Poplar Music, 1994
• Commemorative Postage Stamp with his portrait issued by The United States Postal Service, Black Heritage Series, Legends of American Music, 1993
• Governor’s Award, State of Tennessee, 1993
• Gold Album, The Best of Otis Redding, 1992
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, 1989
• Gold Album for “History of Otis Redding,” RIAA, 1988
• Georgia Music Hall of Fame Inductee, 1988. Posthumous
• Black Gold Legend Award, 1986
• Otis Redding Memorial Bridge named in his honor by City of Macon Mayor Ronnie Thompson, 1976
• The Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Britain, 1969
• Grammy Award, Best R&B Song Songwriter for “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay.” NARAS, 1968
• Annual R&B Award, Record World Magazine, 1968
• #1 Hot 100 Singles Chart “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay,” Billboard Magazine, March 16, 1968
• #1 Record for “History of Otis Redding.” Billboard Magazine, 1968
• Proclamation expressed deep regrets for loss. Georgia State House of Representatives, 1968
• Gold Single for “Sweet Soul Music,” RIAA, 1967
• International Male Vocalist of the Year. Melody Maker Magazine, London, 1966. Previously awarded to Elvis Presley for ten (10) consecutive years
• Home of The Blues Award, London, 1966
• Lifetime Achievement Award, NAACP, 1966

Mission Statement

“Progress Through Education / Enlightenment Through Music.”

Otis Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for our community through the education and empowerment of its youth. With Dreams to Remember we honor his life by fulfilling his dream.  "The Big O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation.

Overview

With its roots in music, "The Big O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation will establish educational awareness programs in the arts and humanities. These programs will encourage individual and team participation, build self-esteem and instill discipline.

To honor Otis’ dream, "The Big O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation will provide opportunities for youth to improve their academic performance by helping them make choices in life that enrich rather than endanger. By providing programs that will ignite dreams in our future generation of leaders, we are dedicated to connecting the universal relevance of music to serve as a catalyst for education, health, fitness and other youth oriented initiatives.

Plans are in place to launch a formal awareness campaign in September of this year with the official programs being launched soon after, in the spring and summer of 2008.

"The Big O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation 2008 programs:

• The Big O' Summer Camp – To be held in Macon, GA in conjunction with The Otis Redding Estate, R&B Hip Hop 4 Humanity and The Georgia Music Hall of Fame Foundation
• Mentor programs focused on youth and teens; ages 10-18
• Scholarship and Endowment programs for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors
• Seminars and lectures conducted by prominent musicians, executives and other professionals in the entertainment and business community
• Music education workshops conducted at various educational institutions

More programs to be announced!

Otis Redding was always known for his talent, ambition, drive and business acumen. His dedication to the youth and education held equal stature. "The Big O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation will continue to pass on these same values, as new innovators of future generations are impacted......A Dream deferred is a Dream denied.

Phone: 478.742.5737 | Fax: 478.742.1614

1. Otis performing at Atlanta Stadium, 1966. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

2. Otis on the set of Ready Steady Go!, September 16, 1966. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

3. Otis, ca.1966. Photocredit: Jean-Pierre Leloir

4. Phil Walden Artists & Promotions Photo of Johnny Jenkins and The Pinetoppers, ca. 1960. (Jenkins in foreground; Pat T. Cake on drums and Otis with mike). Courtesy of Zelma Redding

5. Otis at Big O Ranch, September 1967. Photo credit: Paul C. Acree, Jr. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

6. Otis at Big O Ranch, September 1967. Photo credit: Paul C. Acree, Jr. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

7. Otis, ca. 1966. Photocredit: Nat (The Cat) Robinson. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

8. Otis at Big O Ranch, September 1967. Photo credit: Paul C. Acree, Jr. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

9. Otis at Big O Ranch, September 1967. Photo credit: Paul C. Acree, Jr. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

10. Otis at Big O Ranch, September 1967. Photo credit: Paul C. Acree, Jr. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

11. Otis at Big O Ranch, September 1967. Photo credit: Paul C. Acree, Jr. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

12. Otis at Big O Ranch, September 1967. Photo credit: Paul C. Acree, Jr. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

13. Otis at the Whiskey A-Go-Go, Los Angeles, April 1966. Photocredit: Nat (The Cat) Robinson. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

14. Otis and the Bar-Kays, 1967

15. Early Promotional Photo, ca 1963 Courtesy of Zelma Redding

16. Early Promotional Photo, ca. 1966. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

17. Early Promotional Photo, ca. 1964. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

18. Otis at Piano, Macon, Georgia, ca. 1964. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

19. Otis at Big O Ranch, September 1967. Photo credit: Paul Acree, Jr. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

20. Otis with his Plane, September 1967. Photo credit: Paul Acree, Jr. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

21. Early Promotional Photo, ca 1964. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

22. Otis on the set of Ready Steady Go!, September 16, 1966. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

23. Otis on the set of Ready Steady Go!, September 16, 1966. Courtesy of Zelma Redding

24. Partners Recognition Dinner, Evening of Respect 2007. Courtesy of Cara Pastore

25. Partners Recognition Dinner, Evening of Respect 2007. Courtesy of Cara Pastore

26. Dr. Larry Rivers, The Family of Phil Walden, Zelma Redding & Dr. Bobbie Bailey. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

27. Macon City Auditorium. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

28. Evening of Respect 2007 Courtesy of Cara Pastore

29. Larry Dodson. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

30. Otis Redding III. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

31. Otis Redding III. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

32. Otis Redding III. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

33. Kenny Lattimore. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

34. Dexter Redding. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

35. Dexter Redding. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

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

37. Zelma Redding being presented with a commendation from the City of Macon. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

38. Dexter Redding, Zelma Redding & Otis Redding III. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

39. Diana DeGarmo. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

40. Kenny Lattimore & Chante' Moore. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

41. Diana DeGarmo, Zelma Redding, Michael Mauldin & Chante' Moore. Evening of Respect 2007, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

42. Otis Redding "I've Got Dreams To Remember" Exhibition at the GA Music Hall of Fame, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

43. Otis Redding "I've Got Dreams To Remember" Exhibition at the GA Music Hall of Fame, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

44. Otis Redding "I've Got Dreams To Remember" Exhibition at the GA Music Hall of Fame, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

45. Otis Redding "I've Got Dreams To Remember" Exhibition at the GA Music Hall of Fame, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

46. Otis Redding "I've Got Dreams To Remember" Exhibition at the GA Music Hall of Fame, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

47. Otis Redding "I've Got Dreams To Remember" Exhibition at the GA Music Hall of Fame, Courtesy of Cara Pastore

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."

***************************************************************************

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:

***************************************************************************

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:

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.

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

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

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

September 9, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OTIS REDDING!!!

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

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!

***************************************************************************

July 28, 2008

Otis Redding Honored With The "Original Mogul" Award

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

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

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."

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

December 11, 2007

***************************************************************************

December 7, 2007

Check out these great stories on Otis Redding!

***************************************************************************

December 6, 2007

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

CLICK HERE for more information.

***************************************************************************

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

***************************************************************************

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

***************************************************************************

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

***************************************************************************

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."

***************************************************************************

September 9, 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OTIS REDDING

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

***************************************************************************

September 8, 2007

THE OFFICIAL OTIS REDDING STORE IS NOW OPEN

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

***************************************************************************

September 5, 2007

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

***************************************************************************

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.

***************************************************************************

CLICK HERE for larger image

***************************************************************************

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

Albums

• Otis Blue / Otis Redding Sings Soul - Collectors Edition (2008, Rhino)
• Live in London and Paris (2008, Stax)
• Pain in My Heart (1964, Atco)
• The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads (1965, Volt)
• Otis Blue (1965) UK: #6
• The Soul Album (1966)
• Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul (1966)
• King & Queen (1967) with Carla Thomas UK: #18
• Live in Europe (1967) UK: #14
• The Dock of the Bay (1968) US: #4 UK: #1
• History of Otis Redding (1968) US: #9 UK: #2
• The Immortal Otis Redding (1968, Atco) UK: #19
• In Person at the Whiskey A Go-Go (1968)
• Love Man (1969)
• Tell the Truth (1970)
• Live at the Monterey International Pop Festival (1971, Reprise) US: #16
• The Best of Otis Redding (1972)
• Remember Me (1992, Stax)
• The Very Best of Otis Redding, Vol. 1 (1993)
• OTIS! The Definitive Otis Redding - Box Set (1993, Rhino)
• The Very Best of Otis Redding, Vol. 2 (1995)
• Very Best of Otis Redding (2002)

Singles

• Shout Bamalama (1961)
• Gettin' Hip (1961, Alshire)
• These Arms of Mine (1962, Volt) R&B: #20
• That's What My Heart Needs (1963)
• Pain in My Heart (1963)
• Come to Me (1964)
• Security (1964)
• Chained and Bound (1964)
• Mr. Pitiful (1964) R&B: #10
• Stand By Me (1964)
• Things Go Better With Coke...[A Man And A Woman] (1964 Commercial)
• I've Been Loving You Too Long (1965) R&B: #2
• Just One More Day (1965) b-side of I've Been... R&B: #15
• RESPECT (1965) R&B: #4
• That's How Strong My Love Is (1965) R&B: #18
• I Can't Turn You Loose (1965) R&B: #11
• My Girl (1965)
• A Change Is Gonna Come (1965)
• (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction (1966) R&B: #4
• My Lover's Prayer (1966) R&B: #10
• Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa [Sad Song] (1966) R&B: #12
• Try a Little Tenderness (1967) R&B: #4
• I Love You More Than Words Can Say (1967)
• Shake (1967) R&B: #16
• Glory of Love (1967) R&B: #19
• Tramp (1967, Stax) with Carla Thomas R&B: #2 UK: #18
• Knock on Wood (1967) with Carla Thomas R&B: #8
• (Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay (1968, Volt) R&B: #1 US: #1 UK: #3
• The Happy Song (Dum-Dum) (1968) R&B: #10
• Amen (1968, Atco) R&B: #15
• Hard to Handle (1968) b-side of Amen UK: #15
• I've Got Dreams to Remember (1968) R&B: #6
• Lovey Dovey (1968, Stax) with Carla Thomas
• White Christmas (1968, Atco)
• Merry Christmas, Baby (1968) b-side of White Christmas US: #9
• Papa's Got a Brand New Bag (1968) R&B: #10
• When Something is Wrong With My Baby (1969) with Carla Thomas
• A Lover's Question (1969) R&B: #20
• Love Man (1969) R&B: #17
• Free Me (1969)
• Look at That Girl (1969)
• Demonstration (1969)
• Give Away None of My Love (1970)
• I've Been Loving You Too Long [Live] (1971)

DVDs

• Dreams To Remember: The Legacy Of Otis Redding (2007, Stax)
• RESPECT Yourself: The Stax Records Story (2007, Stax)
• Stax/Volt Revue: Live In Norway (2007, Stax)

Soundtrack Filmography

• American Idol: The Search For A Superstar (1 episode, 2007)
• 20 To 1 (1 episode, 2006)
• "Lost" (1 episode, 2006)
• S.O.S. (2006) TV Episode (writer: "These Arms Of Mine")
• The Black Crowes: Freak 'N' Roll... Into the Fog (2006) (V) (writer: "Hard to Handle")
• Glory Road (2006) (writer: "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)", "These Arms of Mine") (performer: "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)", "These Arms of Mine")
• The Ringer (2005) (writer: "Respect")
• Are We There Yet? (2005) (writer: "Respect")
• Coach Carter (2005) ("Can't Turn You Loose")
• "The WB's Superstar USA" (2004) TV Series (writer: "Respect")
• Ella Enchanted (2004) (writer: "Respect")
• Radio (2003) (performer: "For Your Precious Love" (1958))
• Love Actually (2003) (performer: "White Christmas")
• Confidence (2003) (writer: "Respect" (One Rascal Mix))
• Two Weeks Notice (2002) (writer: "Respect")
• Friday After Next (2002) (performer: "Merry Christmas Baby")
• "American Dreams" (2002) TV Series (performer: "That's How Strong My Love Is")
• Bande du Drugstore, La (2002) (writer: "Security") (performer: "Security")
• The Chubbchubbs! (2002) (music: "Respect") (lyrics: "Respect")
• Rat Race (2001) ("Respect")
• Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) (writer: "RESPECT")
• Big Momma's House (2000) (performer: "Security")
• 28 Days (2000) (writer: "Fa-fa-fa-fa-fa" (Sad Song)) (performer: "Fa-fa-fa-fa-fa" (Sad Song))
• Bicentennial Man (1999) (writer: "Respect")
• Haepi-endeu (1999) (performer: "These Arms of Mine")
• "The King of Queens" (1 episode, 1999)
• Art House (1999) TV Episode (writer: "Respect")
• Edtv (1999) (writer: "These Arms Of Mine") (performer: "These Arms Of Mine")
• Get Real (1998) (writer: "Respect")
• Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998) (performer: "Try a Little Tenderness")
• A Cool, Dry Place (1998) (writer: "Hard To Handle") (performer: "Hard To Handle")
• Trial and Error (1997) (writer: "Mr. Pitiful", "Respect")
• Another Day in Paradise (1997) (writer: "Hard to Handle", "I'll Let Nothing Separate Us") (performer: "Hard to Handle", "I'll Let Nothing Separate Us")
• The Powder Room (1997) ("RESPECT")
• 2 Days in the Valley (1996) (performer: "Down In the Valley")
• Casino (1995) (writer: "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)") (performer: "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)")
• Dead Presidents (1995) (performer: "Down In The Valley")
• Dangerous Minds (1995) (writer: "RESPECT" (SAMPLE))
• Georgia (1995) (performer: "FA FA FA FA FA (SAD SONG)") ("FA FA FA FA FA (SAD SONG)")
• Denise Calls Up (1995) (performer: "New Years Resolution")
• Forrest Gump (1994) ("Respect")
• Grumpy Old Men (1993) (writer: "LOVE MAN") (performer: "LOVE MAN")
• A Bronx Tale (1993) (performer: "Hawg for You")
• The Last Supper (1993) (writer: "These Arms of Mine") (performer: "These Arms of Mine")
• Love Potion No. 9 (1992) (performer: "PAIN IN MY HEART")
• Vacanze di Natale '91 (1991) (writer: "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay")
• Mississippi Masala (1991) (performer: "Ton Of Joy")
• Rover Dangerfield (1991) (writer: "Respect")
• Only the Lonely (1991) (writer: "I'VE GOT DREAMS TO REMEMBER")
• Wired (1989) (writer: "I Can't Turn You Loose")
• Road House (1989) (performer: "These Arms of Mine")
• Dream a Little Dream (1989) (writer: "DREAMS TO REMEMBER") (performer: "DREAMS TO REMEMBER")
• Cousins (1989) (writer: "LOVE MAN") (performer: "LOVE MAN")
• Cold Justice (1989) ("RESPECT")
• Alien Nation (1988) (writer: "(SITTIN' ON) THE DOCK OF THE BAY")
• Stormy Monday (1988) (music: "I've Been Loving You Too Long") (performer: "I've Been Loving You Too Long")
• Eddie Murphy Raw (1987) ("RESPECT", "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay")
• "Wiseguy" (1987) TV Series (performer: "Try a little tenderness")
• Hamburger Hill (1987) (writer: "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay") (performer: "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay")
• Dirty Dancing (1987) (performer: "Love Man", "These Arms of Mine")
• The Allnighter (1987) (music: "RESPECT") (lyrics: "RESPECT")
• Tin Men (1987) (performer: "Try a Little Tenderness")
• Platoon (1986) (performer: "SITTIN ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY")
• Children of a Lesser God (1986) (performer: "I've Been Loving You Too Long") ("I've Been Loving You Too Long")
• Top Gun (1986) (performer: "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay") ("(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay")
• Pretty in Pink (1986) (performer: "Try A Little Tenderness")
• St. Elmo's Fire (1985) (writer: "RESPECT")
• Heaven Help Us (1985) ("I've Been Loving You Too Long")
• "Fame" (1 episode, 1985)
• Tomorrow's Children of the Sixties (1985) TV Episode (performer: "On The Dock Of The Bay")
• The Blues Brothers (1980) (writer: "I CAN'T TURN YOU LOOSE" (uncredited))
• Blume in Love (1973) (music: "Ive Got Dreams To Remember") (lyrics: "Ive Got Dreams To Remenber")
• Gimme Shelter (1970) (writer: "I've Been Loving You Too Long")

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

OTIS REDDING, JR.

Forty years after his passing, the legacy of Otis Redding remains stronger than ever. As the decades have gone by since December 10, 1967 when the world tragically lost one of its greatest soul singers, the power and impact of this Georgia-born R&B pioneer’s music and career shows no signs of diminishing. Through a recorded legacy that spans a mere six years (less than a decade?) but is filled with classic after classic, the man whose distinctive music influenced British rock stars and his American soul music peers alike continues to be accorded and afforded the global recognition and (borrowing the title of one of his most enduring compositions) respect he richly deserves. And beyond those precious recordings (mostly cut in Memphis at Stax Records between 1963 and 1967), there is The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation, created by his widow, Mrs. Zelma Redding which reflects the deeply held commitment her husband expressed to giving back to the community with a special emphasis on education.

Fittingly, the last four months of 2007 starting with the anniversary of what would been Redding’s 66th birthday, September 9th, (September 12 was named “Otis Redding Day” by the Mayor of Macon) included a number of key events: the release of a first-ever DVD “Dreams To Remember, The Legacy Of Otis Redding” from Stax/Concord; the unveiling of the “Otis Redding: I’ve Got Dreams To Remember” multi-media interactive exhibit featuring over 175 artifacts at the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame; and a special music tribute, “An Evening Of Respect…The Legacy Continues” hosted by Kenny Lattimore, Chanté Moore, and Diana DeGarmo with performances by The Macon Symphony Orchestra, The Bar-Kays, Taj Mahal and The Reddings (his sons Dexter and Otis III), a benefit for the Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation.

For Zelma Redding, 2007 represents a particular benchmark after years of work on preserving and protecting her husband’s legacy: “It’s wonderful for me to see how people still love Otis’ music after forty years and how a whole new generation has discovered his work. It’s such an honor when I get letters from people telling me that they named their son after him. I am surprised; for the first few years, the appreciation was there but after so many years, it seems to get bigger and bigger.”

In the annals of rhythm and blues, few artists are as deserving of the kind of admiration and love that Otis Redding has commanded since he first came to the attention of the mainstream music-buying public in 1963. Almost as soon as his initial recordings for Stax Records became available to avid R&B fans in Europe, Otis Redding became a prime influence for groups like Britain’s Rolling Stones and indeed, the reverence for his music throughout Europe resulted in packed audiences when he headlined the now-famous Stax/Volt Revue during its spring 1967 tour of the continent. In the U.S., Otis Redding’s star was mostly decidedly in it’s ascendancy after his show-stopping performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival in June of that same year, around the same time that singer Aretha Franklin, the future ‘Queen Of Soul’ was establishing herself as a hit-maker with her rendition of Otis’ own “Respect.”

In the company of such icons as Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Little Richard and James Brown, Otis Redding helped shape the direction of black music, using a blues-drenched vocal style, initially derived from his early years singing in church. Redding’s emotive heart-wrenching approach instantly distinguished him from other soul men of the day and on such ballads as “These Arms Of Mine” (his first national charted single) and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” (written with fellow R&B journeyman Jerry Butler) as well as an unforgettable cover of the pop standard “Try A Little Tenderness,” Otis Redding was his own man. On up-tempo groove sides like Redding compositions “Respect,” “Mr. Pitiful,” “I Can’t Turn You Loose” and a funky reading of The Stones’ “Satisfaction,” Otis ruled.

Masterpiece albums like “Otis Blue” (an expanded version of which is being released in late 2007), “The Dictionary Of Soul” and “The Soul Album” became the template for recordings by others, filled with passionate performances that would influence more than one generation of recording artists. Indeed, the list of those who have covered or sampled songs from the Otis Redding catalog includes The Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Al Green, The Black Crowes, Pearl Jam, John Mayer, Christine Aguilera, Etta James, Rod Stewart, Michael Bolton, Kanye West, Kelly Clarkson and Toots Maytal.

We can speculate that Otis Redding would probably have been truly surprised to know the degree to which his music would reverberate four decades after he first recorded it. Certainly, his humble beginnings in Georgia would have given no clue that ‘Big O’, as he was affectionately known, (as much because of his commanding physical stature as for his all-encompassing impact at Stax Records) would go on to become a global legend.

Born in Dawson, Georgia on September 9, 1941 into a family of six, Otis Redding’s love for music found expression after his family moved to Macon and he began singing in the choir of the Vineville Baptist Church, as well as participating in the band at Ballard Hudson High School.

Determined to help his family financially, he dropped out of high school and went on to work with the group the Upsetters who had been Macon native Little Richard’s backing band. Otis began competing in local talent shows for the five-dollar prize, but after winning fifteen times straight, he was no longer allowed to compete!

After performing at such local venues as the Grand Duke, Otis’ first recording session – with The Upsetters – took place in July 1960. Within months, an eighteen-year old Otis joined another Macon-based band, (guitarist) Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers in 1960, recording briefly with the group. Jenkins went to Memphis in October 1962 to record at the then newly-established Stax studios and with some time left at the end of the session, Otis was given the opportunity to cut two of his own songs, “These Arms of Mine” and “Hey Hey Baby.”

History was made that night and Otis signed with the Stax imprint, Volt Records, returning seven months later for the second of some thirty more recording sessions he would complete between June of 1963 and November 1967, when he would cut “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay”. The wistful, highly personal song would posthumously top the U.S. pop and R&B charts and become Otis Redding’s most enduring and memorable globally-known anthem.

Beyond the thirty singles (including three duets with label mate Carla Thomas from their famed 1967 “King & Queen” album) and ten original albums that bore his name, Otis Redding’s prowess as a live performer was renowned: in the wake of hits like 1963’s “Pain In My Heart,” 1966’s “My Lover’s Prayer” and his 1967 re-working of his musical hero Sam Cooke’s “Shake,” Otis became a major headliner in the U.S., initially performing on the ‘chitlin’ circuit of theaters such as The Apollo in New York, The Howard in Washington, D.C. and The Regal in Chicago and throughout the South (where his popularity was particularly strong), before doing shows at rock and pop venues such as The Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles and heading off to perform in Canada and the Caribbean.

It was European audiences who first demonstrated their true respect for Redding; in September 1966, the No. 1 rated British television music show “Ready Steady Go!” was dedicated to Otis and when he returned some six months later with fellow artists for the Stax/Volt Revue (including Booker T. & The MGs and The Mar-Keys who provided musical backing at the studios in Memphis where Otis recorded), Otis enjoyed night after night of standing ovations in cities like London, Paris and Stockholm. Upon his return to the U.S., after being named “No. 1 Male Vocalist” in Britain’s “Melody Maker” poll, Otis was booked for the Monterey Pop Festival, sharing the stage with popular rock, pop and folk acts of the day such as Simon & Garfunkel, The Byrds, The Who, Jefferson Airplane and Jimi Hendrix. On that June 1967 night, backed by the MGs, Otis Redding performed before his largest audience ever, some 30,000-strong, making musical history as the virtual highlight of the entire three-day festival. A matter of weeks later, he was in San Francisco for shows at The Fillmore West and it was during a weeklong stay on a houseboat in Sausalito that the inspiration came for “Dock Of The Bay.”

With a decidedly-different, more acoustic flavor, the song was one of a dozen or so Otis cut in Memphis in November 1967, in his last recording sessions before the night of December 10th when the private plane he owned went down in Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin, leaving just one survivor (Ben Cauley of The Bar-Kays who were backing Otis at the time). In the wake of his tragic passing, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” (which earned Otis a posthumous Grammy Award for “Best R&B Song” and has been certified by BMI for over eight million plays) was issued in early 1968 with subsequent albums such as “The Immortal Otis Redding,” “Love Man” (Zelma Redding’s personal favorite) and “Tell The Truth” among further releases as testament to Otis Redding’s abiding soulful artistry.

Beyond the studio and the stage, Otis was a pioneer in many other areas: as president of his own publishing firm, Redwal Music Co., Inc., he was very active in the company's operation and directly responsible for the company's leadership in the music publishing field. To date, the company has copyrighted over 200 commercially successful songs and published many songs which have sold in excess of one million copies each. Otis also had his own Jotis Records label and was responsible for mentoring soul man Arthur Conley (of “Sweet Soul Music” fame) as one of its original artists.

The idea that music could be a universal force, bringing together different races and cultures, was central to Otis' personal philosophy and reflected in his everyday life. At a time when it may not have been considered politically correct, Redding had a white manager, Phil Walden, and a racially mixed band. His commitment to making a contribution was evidenced by the donation of scholarships and the home barbeques for underprivileged children that he and wife Zelma would host: “He always gave back to the community,” recalls Mrs. Redding, who started the Otis Redding Fund some twenty years ago to give scholarships to different organizations.

While his music and his humanitarian contributions were of prime importance to Otis Redding, his love for his family was close to his heart and soul; Otis met his wife Zelma Atwood in 1959 and they married in August 1961. Together they have four children: Dexter, Karla, Otis III, and Demetria (Dee-Dee) who was adopted after his death. In 1965, he moved them into a spacious 300 acre property, "The Big O Ranch" in Round Oak, Georgia, affectionately named after "The Big O" himself. Since his death Mrs. Redding has expanded the ranch to 460 acres.

Sons, Dexter and Otis III are active music producers and songwriters, both traveling internationally. Dee-Dee is a Business Development Manager for Heartland Hospice in Macon, while Karla is a successful and influential entrepreneur having founded and jointly managing the day to day operations of Karla's Shoe Boutique in downtown Macon, GA. She also works closely with her mother Zelma, the executrix of the Redding Estate, where she manages the daily requests for use of Otis’ music in commercials and for samples, as well as overseeing the use of his name and image. Now, she also heads up The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation. “We did a concert in 2003 for the Otis Redding Fund,” Mrs. Redding recalls, “and we decided it was time to take it to another level with the creation of this foundation which provides scholarships for further education, particularly for music and arts programs in Macon and middle Georgia, and seeks to mentor children through the arts. I know Otis would be proud.”

Redding would also no doubt be proud that his music lives on and that his legacy continues: a bronze statue of Otis stands in Gateway Park in Macon and The Otis Redding Memorial Park was dedicated in Memphis in 2001. A commemorative stamp bearing his portrait was issued by the United States Postal Service in 1993 and since his passing, honors have included 1988 induction into the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame, 1989 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame induction in 1994, a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award from NARAS in 1999, a 2006 Legacy Award from The Rhythm & Blues Foundation and the inception of the “Otis Redding Excellence Award” by Billboard Magazine in 2006 (with first recipient, producer and record label head, Jermaine Dupri).

Beyond the honors, accolades and awards, there is the wonderful music that he made which still reverberates across the globe. While the world was blessed with his presence for just twenty six short years, the lasting legacy of Otis Redding remains intact, a testament to a one-of-a-kind true-to-life always-real soul man of the first order.