[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12192]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF OTIS REDDING, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2016

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 
brilliant artist, homegrown legend, and loving father, the Late Great 
Otis Redding, Jr. In recognition of Otis Redding's contribution to 
music that touched souls across the world, the Redding Foundation will 
be celebrating what would be his 75th birthday the weekend of September 
9 through September 11, 2016 in Macon, Georgia.
  Otis Redding was born in Dawson, Georgia on September 9, 1941. At a 
young age, he and his family moved to Macon, where he began singing at 
Vineville Baptist Church. Embracing his budding musicianship, he joined 
the school band at Ballard-Hudson High School and competed in the 
Douglass Theatre talent show. After winning the talent show fifteen 
consecutive times, he was no longer allowed to compete. However, this 
certainly did not discourage him from embarking on his path to becoming 
the King of Soul.
  In 1958, Otis Redding officially began his professional music career 
when he joined Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers. After the group 
finished recording with Booker T. and the MGs, Mr. Redding wanted to 
use the last few minutes at the end of the session to sing for 
everyone. As he started to sing what would become his first hit single 
of 17 hit singles in a row, ``These Arms of Mine,'' everyone in the 
studio became captivated by his voice. Jim Stewart, then co-owner of 
Stax Records, came running into the studio and began yelling, ``That's 
it! That's it! Where is everybody? We gotta get this on tape!''
  A man with his own voice and a unique sound, Otis Redding's short but 
spectacular music career led to his releasing hit single after hit 
single, including ``I've Been Loving You Too Long,'' ``Respect,'' and 
``Try A Little Tenderness.'' On his journey to becoming the King of 
Soul, he performed across the country and the world with shows in the 
United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean. In 1965, his business 
acumen allowed him to create his own label: Jotis Records. His concerts 
were box office smashes, some of the biggest of any performer during 
his time.
  In 1966, Otis Redding received the NAACP Lifetime Membership Award. 
The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) nominated him 
for awards in three categories for his recordings from 1967. He also 
accrued countless other honors and recognition for his music after his 
passing in December 1967, most notably of which are two 1969 Grammys 
for Best R&B Vocal Performance and Best Rhythm & Blues Song for his 
number one hit single, ``(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay;'' the 1999 
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; and his 1998, 2011, and 2015 Grammy 
Hall of Fame Inductions.
  Otis Redding was much more than his beautiful voice. Above all else, 
he was a family man. He married his wife, Zelma, in August of 1961 and 
together, they raised three wonderful children: Dexter, Karla, and Otis 
Redding, Ill. Mrs. Redding also adopted Demetria after Mr. Redding's 
passing. There was a special place in Otis Redding's heart and soul 
reserved only for his family. He worked tirelessly to provide for them. 
His ambition, drive, and sacrifices paid off when he was able to move 
his family to ``The Big O Ranch'' in 1965, a 300-acre property in Round 
Oak, Georgia.
  Reflected in the mission of the Otis Redding Foundation, which was 
established in 2007 by Mrs. Zelma Redding in her late husband's honor, 
Otis Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for his 
community through education and empowerment. Those who knew Otis 
Redding personally speak fondly of him and his closest friends 
described him as a wonderful person to be around, and always 100 
percent full of energy. They remember him being big in every way: 
physically, in his talent, in wisdom about other people, and in his 
love for his family and community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the 
more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District 
in recognizing Otis Redding, Jr. for his remarkable accomplishments as 
a pioneering and world-renowned musician. His timeless talent and 
everlasting legacy live on in the hearts of those who loved him and 
will continue to be remembered by generations to come.

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