Courtesy OtisRedding.com

They say behind every great man is a great woman, and that certainly holds true for Zelma Redding, the widow of iconic soul singer/songwriter Otis Redding. The world lost a legend in 1967 when Mr. Redding tragically passed away, and since then Zelma Redding has made it her mission, along with their daughter, Karla Redding-Andrews, to protect and promote his timeless music, while preserving his immeasurable legacy.

Known as the King of Soul, Otis Redding was one of the most influential artists in the genre, and his impact on popular music has touched audiences around the world. His renowned 1968 song, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” made history as the first posthumous release to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts.

The poignant song also garnered two GRAMMYs, which Mrs. Redding accepted on his behalf. Known for his stirring voice and electrifying performances,

He Wrote The Megahit “Respect,” Famously Recorded by Aretha Franklin

Mr. Redding was also a prolific songwriter. In addition to co-writing “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” he wrote the megahit “Respect,” famously recorded by Aretha Franklin, as well as “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” and co-wrote classics such as “These Arms of Mine,” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” and “I’ve Got Dreams to Remember,” the latter of which was co-written with Mrs. Redding. 

Mr. Redding has left an indelible mark on American music and has been recognized by the industry with many posthumous accolades, including the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, among others. His creative work has also earned 14 BMI Awards, including Song of the Year for “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” in 1968.

BMI Presented Four “Million-Air” Certificates To The Redding Family At BMI’s Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards

Just last week, BMI was honored to present four “Million-Air” certificates to the Redding family during the company’s Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. This accolade is given for songs that have surpassed the milestone of one million broadcast performances. The awarded songs at the Trailblazers ceremony included Mr. Redding’s iconic hits “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” (12 million performances), “Respect” (7 million performances), “Hard to Handle” (7 million performances), and “Sweet Soul Music” (4 million performances).

Beyond his passion for music, Mr. Redding was dedicated to empowering young people to fulfill their dreams. Prior to his untimely passing, he provided scholarships to young students to continue their education. Both Mrs. Redding and Mrs. Redding-Andrews have since championed his philanthropic commitment, forming the Otis Redding Foundation in his honor. Mrs. Redding is the President & Founder, while Mrs. Redding-Andrews serves as its Vice President & Executive Director.

The Foundation offers various music and arts education programs for young people in Macon, GA, the family’s hometown. One of its notable programs is the Otis Music Camp, where key leaders in the global music industry across genres come together to help develop the voices and instrumental abilities of the talented student campers.

BMI has had the privilege of representing Mr. Redding’s incomparable catalog for sixty years. In celebrating this milestone anniversary, BMI is thrilled to be partnering with the Otis Redding Foundation to create the Otis Redding Internship at BMI. Each summer, BMI will offer a meaningful internship experience to an alumnus of the Otis Music Camp who is selected by the Foundation. BMI is very proud to support the Redding family’s dedication to music education.

Interview With Redding’s Widow & Daughter

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Mrs. Redding and Mrs. Redding-Andrews about Mr. Redding’s renowned music, his philanthropic efforts that they continue to carry out today, and the newly established internship.

BMI: Mrs. Redding, can you tell us when you first knew that your husband was going to do great things with his music?

Mrs. Redding: Well, when I first met him, I knew he was going to do great, but I didn’t know whether it was going to be with his music. I just knew he was a great person, he was very ambitious, and he was very serious about what he was doing. He was not the big Otis Redding at that time. We got married before the music really took off. 

BMI: Some people might not realize that he wrote the massive hit “Respect.” Is there a story behind that song?

Mrs. Redding: Yes, it goes way back to when one of his employees was kind of unhappy with some of his problems he was having with his life. He said all he wanted was to have his wife give him some respect when he came home. And that’s how the song started.

BMI: His last song, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” made history and went to #1 after he tragically passed. What does that song mean to you?

Mrs. Redding: When he first brought it home, I just thought it was different for him. And he said he was going to kind of change his style and do something a little different. And I said, well, it is different. [laughs] He said, well, I’m just tired of begging and pleading. So that’s how he came up with “Dock of the Bay.” I went to Memphis with him when he recorded it.

And sometime after he passed, I used to wonder would this song be as big as it is if he had lived? It sounded like he was trying to tell a story in a different direction. He wanted to start getting over to a different audience, which he was already doing. He was already so big in Europe. Everybody knows “Dock of the Bay,” but he had more than that. It’s a wonderful song. It tells a strong story.

https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/otis-reddings-widow-and-daughter-reflect-on-his-enduring-music-legacy

Otis Redding has left an indelible mark on American music and has been recognized by the industry with many posthumous accolades.