EUR ON THE SCENE IN THE ATL: Celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary Otis Redding

Story and photos by Madge Evans

     The Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation, as well as the Woodruff Arts Center, served as the evening's hosts for this spectacular black-tie occasion. 

     As guests started arriving for this star-studded event, press and media personnel were preparing themselves for photo ops while organizers and production staff were perfecting last minute details. 

     Some of the first guests to arrive and grace the red carpet were Macon, Georgia socialites and dignitaries.  As they stopped to talk to the cameras, a common sentiment voiced in response to some questions, was that, they had no preference about whether the event was in Macon or Atlanta; they were just proud that the life and music of Otis Redding was being remembered and celebrated. All of them commented on what an honor it was to be paying homage and respect to a true Maconite, a musical genius whose music has traversed generations and still to this day enthralls listeners.    

Zelma Redding & Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges

     Special guests and celebrity sightings on the red carpet included Deanna and Dr. Yamma Brown (daughters of the late James Brown), Mr. William Bell and Mr. Eddie Floyd, Zelma Redding and Karla Redding-Andrews (widow and daughter of Otis Redding), Avant, Kenny Lattimore and Chante' Moore, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Ray-J, Estelle, Kardinal Offishall, Anthony Hamilton, Pebbles, and Devyne Stephens.                                         

     After the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, a wonderful 3-course dinner precluded the ceremony as we were seated in the atrium of the Woodruff Arts Center where 27 round elegantly set dinner tables were beautifully decorated with a simple but exquisite large centerpiece overflowing with red roses and carnations. An opening pre-recorded video message from Alicia Keyes appeared on two big-screen monitors during which she gave accolades to Otis Redding and his music and its influence on her music as well as the music industry as a whole.         

Kenny Lattimore and Chante' Moore

     Then, Kenny Lattimore and Chante' Moore lovingly shared the evenings' duties of emcees as the recognition and awards portion got underway. Honorees included Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Ron Clark of the Ron Clark Academy, and Kyle and Pattie Petty. All whose earnest thank you speeches reflected great sincerity and all whose wonderful, dedicated work of contributions and foundations are empowering, inspiring and motivating youth to greater creativity and positivity. A number of the youth from the Ron Clark Academy entertained us in their own creative way by performing Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror," capping off that portion of the evening.        

     As instructed, guests were then escorted into Symphony Hall where the auditorium was filling quickly for the much anticipated performances. Dexter Redding (son of Otis Redding) opened with "Cigarettes and Coffee" followed by the lovely Estelle performing "Satisfaction." Avant gave us a smooth "My Girl" followed by Def Jam's 16 year old vocal phenom Karina who did an outstanding set. Distinguished old schoolers William Bell ("Can't Turn It Loose") and Eddie Floyd ("Knock On Wood") showed their everlasting skills while Otis Redding III gave us acoustic pleasure on his guitar. Kenny Lattimore sang with passion as he covered "I Love You More Than Words Can Say" followed by his other half, Chante' Moore, showcasing her dynamic vocal range with "Respect." Later, the two gave an emotionally stirring performance of "A Change Is Gonna' Come." Otis Redding III was back to pay respect to Zelma Redding by performing a song written by her called "Dreams." Anthony Hamilton's soulful rendition of "These Arms of Mine" was incredible and he later joined Dexter and Otis III as the three of them together gave an absolutely exciting, audience moving, wonderful performance of "Try A Little Tenderness." Dexter later returned for outstanding sets of "I've Been Loving You Too Long" and "Love Man."          

     Throughout the show, pre-recorded videos of Alicia Keyes, Magic Johnson, and even The Rolling Stones appeared on a large stage monitor with all of them, in some way or form, citing Otis' influence on music, their memories of him, and even their favorite Big "O" songs.

     The last performance of the evening was the long awaited "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay" which was beautifully performed by all the night's artists as they gathered on stage in camaraderie. Otis Redding's legacy and music was revived on the stage that night by incredible performances and his spirit was definitely felt throughout the evening. Further proof that it will stand the test of time.

     For more information on the Big "O" Foundation, go here: www.OtisRedding.com.