Biography
Grammy award-winning Soul legend Otis Redding was born in Dawson, Ga., but relocated to Macon with his family moved when he was two years old. His career began at an early age as a singer and musician in the choir of the Vineville Baptist Church. As a teenager, he was active in his high school band and began competing in the Douglass Theatre talent show which after winning 15 times straight, he was no longer allowed to compete.
At the age of 18, Otis joined Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers and would perform at teenage party talent shows in Macon. After driving Johnny Jenkins to Memphis, Tenn., for a recording session at Stax Records in August 1962, Stax co-owner Jim Stewart allowed Otis to cut a couple of songs with the remaining studio time. The result was “These Arms Of Mine,” released in 1962. This was the first of many hit singles (including classics “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, “respect” and “Try A Little Tenderness”) that Redding enjoyed during his tragically short career.
Otis went on to tour throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean; being one of the biggest box office smashes of any touring performer during his time. He was posthumously inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. In 1999, he was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award and his songs continue to resonate with generations far and wide.
PFC’s involvement with the Otis Redding Estate:
Although we never had the honor of working with Otis Redding while he was alive, we are so honored that the Otis Redding Estate and Otis Redding Foundation entrusted us to create a Song Around The World version of Otis’ classic “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the song.