Otis Redding Tributes Celebrate His Life And Music

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