Otis Redding is set to receive some well-deserved “Respect” from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The late soul icon will be honored posthumously with a star on Friday, October 4, at 11:30 a.m. PT, located at 6150 Hollywood Blvd. His star will be placed in the live theatre/live performance category.
The ceremony will be hosted by five-time Grammy-winning producer Jimmy Jam, with a speech from three-time Grammy-winning rapper Killer Mike. Redding’s daughter, Karla Redding-Andrews, will accept the award on his behalf.
Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies, said, “The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is honored to dedicate a star to the legendary Otis Redding, whose music continues to inspire generations.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest soul vocalists, Redding was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994, and was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 1999. His most iconic songs, including “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (to Stop Now),” “Try a Little Tenderness,” and “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay,” are part of the Grammy Hall of Fame. His 1967 hit “Respect,” later made famous by Aretha Franklin, is also in the Hall.
Despite his short career, marked by hits from 1964 to 1967, Redding’s legacy endures. After his tragic death in a 1967 plane crash, “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” topped the Billboard charts and won two Grammys in 1969. His music lives on through the Otis Redding Foundation, led by his widow, Zelma, and daughter, Karla, who work to preserve his legacy through music education programs for youth.
The ceremony will be streamed live at WalkOfFame.com.
