Published on September 10th, 2024 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Otis Redding Foundation Celebrated 3rd Annual “King of Soul Music Festival”

The Otis Redding Foundation hosted its 3rd Annual “King of Soul Music Festival” in Macon, GA, featuring live performances, awards, and tributes to Otis Redding’s legacy in soul music.

Otis Redding Foundation Hosts 3rd Annual “King of Soul Music Festival” in Macon

The Otis Redding Foundation celebrated its 3rd Annual “King of Soul Music Festival” on September 6 and 7, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. The two-day event honored the enduring influence of Otis Redding on soul music and supported the Foundation’s mission of empowering young musicians through education. This year’s festival brought together musicians, educators, and fans to pay tribute to Redding’s legacy with live performances and prestigious awards.

Members of the Otis Redding family were in attendance

St. Paul & The Broken Bones Headlined “An Evening of Respect”

On Friday, September 6, St. Paul & The Broken Bones took the stage at the Macon City Auditorium to headline the festival’s marquee event, “An Evening of Respect.” The night kicked off with an electric performance by the Macon Music Revue, featuring alumni from the Otis Redding Music Camp. Guitarist Dustin McCook, bassist Evan Bentzel, and vocalist Charles Davis, along with Ethan Hamlin on keys and Caleb Melvin on drums, set the tone for a soulful night dedicated to the King of Soul.

Big ‘O’ Homecoming Show & Dance Brought the Celebration Home

The festivities continued on Saturday, September 7, with the “Big ‘O’ Homecoming Show & Dance” at the Capitol Theatre, hosted by the renowned DJ Nabs. Attendees danced the night away to a mix of timeless soul hits and modern music, paying homage to Otis Redding’s rich musical legacy. The evening was a joyful celebration of the enduring impact of Redding’s music on generations past and present.

Awards Honored Contributions to Music and Philanthropy

Several prestigious awards were presented during “An Evening of Respect,” recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to music and philanthropy:

The “Otis & Zelma Redding Award of Respect was presented to the Georgia Music Foundation, accepted by Board Chair Russell Bennett, for its 30 years of dedication to music education and preservation.
The “Otis Redding III Award of Philanthropy” went to the Gia Maione Prima Foundation, accepted by Anthony J. Sylvester, in recognition of its work supporting music education and American jazz.
The “Otis Redding Foundation Dream Award” was awarded to songwriter Vinson “Alaz” Muhammad for his outstanding dedication to artistic excellence, including his role as executive producer of the Real Talk Hip Hop Summit and lead songwriting coach at the Otis Redding Music Camp.
The “Singer-Songwriter Award” went to Sara Mazanec, an Otis Music Camp standout, who had the opportunity to create a professional music video for her song, which was showcased during the festival.

Proceeds to Support Youth Music Education Programs

Proceeds from the festival directly supported the Otis Redding Foundation’s youth music education initiatives, including Otis Music Camp, Camp DREAM, and the soon-to-be-opened Otis Redding Center for the Arts, scheduled to launch later in 2024. The Center will provide a hub for aspiring young artists, offering educational programs that focus on musical literacy, instrumentation, and creative disciplines.

A Successful Celebration of Otis Redding’s Legacy

Music lovers from across the nation gathered in Macon to celebrate Otis Redding’s profound influence on soul music. The “King of Soul Music Festival” was a resounding success, furthering the Foundation’s mission of nurturing the next generation of musicians while honoring Redding’s legendary contributions to the music industry.

About the Otis Redding Foundation

The Otis Redding Foundation is committed to education through music, inspiring young people to pursue their artistic dreams. With programs like Camp Dream and Otis Music Camp, and the soon-to-be-opened Otis Redding Center for the Arts, the Foundation continues to shape the future of music and arts education.

About the “King of Soul Music Festival”

The “King of Soul Music Festival” celebrates the life and legacy of Otis Redding, uniting music lovers and artists to honor his contributions to soul music and culture.

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Here are some looks from this epic happening courtesy of the Otis Redding Foundation!

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.