King of Soul Music Festival returns to Macon to celebrate the legendary Otis Redding
Macon will again celebrate a man with major impact on American music next month at the King of Soul Music Festival.
The King of Soul Music Festival celebrates the life and legacy of Otis Redding, bringing together a diverse lineup of artists to honor his contributions to music and culture.
The festival aims to create a space where music lovers can come together to celebrate the past, present and future of music, according to Justin Andrews, Redding’s grandson and Director of Special Projects and Outreach for the Otis Redding Foundation.
“This festival keeps the legacy of Otis Redding alive and helps the foundation continue to provide music and arts education programs for the community,” he said. “It’s important because it allows the foundation to continue programming and also continue the support of the Otis Redding Center for the Arts.”
Eight-piece soul band St. Paul & The Broken Bones will perform during the gala event, “An Evening of Respect,” on Sept. 6. The Big “O” Homecoming Show & Dance will follow onSept. 7.
Several awards will be presented during “An Evening of Respect,” including:
The Georgia Music Foundation will receive the Otis & Zelma Redding Award of Respect in recognition of its 30 years supporting music education, preservation and outreach.
The Gia Maione Prima Foundation will receive The Otis Redding III Award of Philanthropy in recognition of its dedication to music education and encouraging an appreciation for American jazz, American popular music and jazz performance.
Songwriter Vinson “Alaz” Muhammad will receive The Otis Redding Foundation Dream Award for the dedication, ambition and drive he demonstrates in pursuit of artistic excellence.
All proceeds from the Festival will support Otis Redding Foundation’s programs at the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, which scheduled to be completed in October.
The center will further the foundation’s mission to give students ages 5-18 an opportunity to explore their interest in music and the arts, including musical literacy, music instrumentation, mathematical components of music and more, according to the foundation.
How Otis Redding rose to musical fame
Born on Sept. 9, 1941, Redding is regarded as one of the greatest singer-songwriters in the history of American popular music and a seminal artist in soul music and rhythm and blues. Although Redding was killed in a tragic plane crash in 1967 at the young age of 26; the King of Soul’s legacy still captivates the nation.
Redding was born in Dawson, and his family moved to Macon when he was 2 years old.
At an early age, he began his career as a singer and musician in the choir of the Vineville Baptist Church. He attended Ballard Hudson High School and participated in the school band.
As a teenager, Redding began to compete in the Douglass Theatre talent shows for a $5 prize. After winning 15 times straight, Redding was no longer allowed to compete, according to the Otis Redding website.
During his successful career, Redding was nominated in three categories by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences for recordings he made during 1967.
“(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” is credited with influencing the soul movement by combining traditional rhythm and blues with folk. Three albums of Redding’s recordings were released posthumously.
In 1989, Redding was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1999, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards.
The Redding family said Redding will receive a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this year.
What does the Otis Redding Foundation do?
The Otis Redding Foundation is dedicated to education through music, empowering young people to pursue their dreams. Through programs like Camp Dream, the Otis Music Camp and the soon-to-be-opened Otis Redding Center for the Arts, the foundation looks to inspire and develop the next generation of artists.
Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for his community through the education and empowerment of its youth, according to foundation officials. Prior to his untimely passing in 1967, Redding was already awarding scholarships to young students.
After his death, his widow Zelma Redding carried on his philanthropic efforts, and established the Otis Redding Foundation in his honor in 2007. With its roots in music, the Foundation offers opportunities for youth to exercise their talents and expand their abilities.
An Evening of Respect will take place on Friday, Sept. 6 at Macon City Auditorium and the Big ‘O’ Homecoming Show & Dance will be at the Capitol Theatre.
Sponsorship, VIP tickets, and more information for the King of Soul Music Festival is available on the foundation website. Balcony tickets for An Evening of Respect with St. Paul & the Broken Bones are $55.00.
