It’s been almost six decades since his untimely passing!
Soul singer Otis Redding was honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Black Enterprise reports. Credited as the voice of soul music, Redding passed away tragically in a plane crash at the age of 26 in 1967. In his short six-year music career, Redding earned five Top 5 albums and 17 Top 20 hits on the R&B charts. He became one of the country’s highest-grossing performers, known as a songwriter for hits like “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” and “Respect,” later performed by Aretha Franklin, and named the greatest song ever by Rolling Stone in 2021. Just a few weeks after Redding’s passing, his classic single “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” was released, becoming his first and only No. 1 hit. Now, after countless honors, Redding has received his long-awaited star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Dozens gathered for the ceremony, and Grammy award-winning producer Jimmy Jam served as the MC for Friday’s unveiling. He reflected on Redding’s contribution and called him a legend in the music industry.
“I say legendary with all capital letters. His groundbreaking moves as an artist and philanthropist continue to inspire this day,” said the famed producer.
Redding’s wife, Zelma Redding, and their daughter, Karla Redding-Andrews, were also in attendance. Rapper Killer Mike spoke to the Redding family, praising his wife for her role in the late soul singer’s career.
“You don’t get Martin without Coretta, you don’t get Malcolm without Betty, and you don’t get Otis without Zelma,” said Killer Mike.
The honor came just before Zelma Redding’s 82nd birthday. Her daughter spoke about the significance of this and how proud her late father would be of this accomplishment.
“I know Dad is saying, ‘I did this for you, Zelma. We have so many honors at home…But this means the world that here we are, traveling all the way to the West Coast for this honor that will live on forever as the legacy of Otis Redding does,” said Redding-Andrews.
Otis Redding’s music has stood the test of time, and his songs are sampled heavily in pop culture. He was a firm believer in the power of music and committed to the art and feeling of each song. Redding was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, and in 1999, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys. Kanye West and Jay-Z famously sampled his “Try a Little Tenderness” on their 2011 Watch the Throne album, earning a Grammy for Best Rap Performance the following year.
In addition to his recent Walk of Fame star, a biopic about the late pioneer is in the works. The film will highlight his decade-long relationship with his wife, Zelma, and explore his journey to the top of the charts.
Cover photo: Otis Redding Honored Posthumously With Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame/Photo credit: Cyrus Andrews/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images