‘Otis Redding Way’ dedication set for September 9 in downtown Macon

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Zelma Redding Amphitheater, near the location of Redding’s former office.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon-Bibb County will dedicate portions of Cotton Avenue and Mulberry Street Lane as “Otis Redding Way” on Wednesday, September 9, which would have been the soul singer’s 85th birthday.

According to a county news release, the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in the Zelma Redding Amphitheater at the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, located at 436 Cotton Avenue.

The Macon-Bibb County Commission approved an ordinance creating the honorary street designation in recognition of Redding’s musical career, ties to Macon and continued influence on the community.

“Otis Redding holds a special place in Macon’s story, and we are so proud to celebrate his life and legacy in a way that will last for generations,” Mayor Lester Miller said. “His music brings people together, broke barriers, and continues to speak to generations of people. Otis Redding Way is more than a name on a street sign. It’s a lasting reminder of an extraordinary man whose music, generosity, and spirit continue to inspire us, and it ensures his legacy will always have a visible place in our community.”

Redding’s daughter, Karla Redding-Andrews, said the location holds special meaning because it is near her father’s former office.

“As we continue to cement my dad’s musical and philanthropic legacy, this street dedication only a few feet from where his office was is very symbolic of his impact,” Redding-Andrews said. “With much appreciation for our supporters in the city of Macon and Bibb County, we’re humbled and excited to celebrate this recognition for the man, the artist and the philanthropist that dad was.”

Redding was born September 9, 1941, in Dawson and moved to Macon with his family when he was 2 years old.

His musical roots in Macon included singing in the choir at Vineville Baptist Church, participating in the Ballard Hudson High School band and competing in talent shows at the Douglass Theatre. According to Macon-Bibb County, Redding won the theater’s $5 talent show prize 15 consecutive times before he was no longer allowed to compete.

Redding later recorded songs including “These Arms of Mine,” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” “Respect,” “Try a Little Tenderness” and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”

He also supported scholarships, local educational programs and a summer camp for underserved young people.

Redding was posthumously inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.

His family continues that work through the Otis Redding Foundation and the Otis Redding Center for the Arts.