3 months ago
The family of Otis Redding hosted a celebrity event to raise money for their Big "O" Youth Educational Foundation. The foundation works to empower young people to follow their dreams and stay in school. The wife and daughter of Otis Redding hosted the event at Atlanta's Woodruff Arts Center last Thursday night. The star-studded event paid tribute to the legacy of Otis and honored others who also work to inspire children.
The stars poured out at the Woodruff Arts Center to celebrate the life and legacy of Otis Redding.
R&B singers like Avant showed up along with a host of others to celebrate an "Evening of Respect."
Hosts for the event were R&B singing duo and husband and wife Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore.
Making the trip down the red carpet along with celebrities included Mrs. Zelma Redding and daughter Karla Redding.
"It's just a wonderful evening. A true evening of respect. It's been a lot of hard work but it's all worth it. People have so much respect for him and they love him so much," said Zelma Redding.
The daughter of the late great James Brown, Deana Brown, also attended.
"We used to have a radio station and my dad would always sing stuff about satisfaction and respect and that's what a lot of the songs Otis Redding wrote had that message," said Brown.
The City of Macon was also represented with a few with members from council excited about the event.
City Council member Elaine Lucas said, "It pays tribute to a Maconite, someone who brought fame and recognition to Macon and Georgia and this country, so we're very excited to be a part of it."
Otis fans came throughout the state of Georgia to join the celebration that included an awards reception recognizing several organizations that work to support children.
And the night wouldn't be complete without the sights and sounds of Otis.
His music filled the Alliance Concert Hall complete with musicians, soloists and fans.
The city of Macon and Bibb County was also honored at the event. Mayor Robert Reichert and Commission Chairman Sam Hart, Sr. attended the event, including many other supporters from Macon. The event is bi-annual. The Redding family says they're working to host the next event here in Macon like they did in 2007.
