Otis Redding Foundation to honor Jermaine Dupri at annual King of Soul Music Festival
The Otis Redding Foundation plans to honor songwriter and producer Jermaine Dupri with the Otis & Zelma Redding Award of Respect at the 2nd Annual King of Soul Music Festival.
Taking place in Macon Sept. 8-9, the festival will celebrate the legacy of the “King of Soul,” Otis Redding, on what would have been his 82nd birthday.
The event serves as a fundraiser for the Otis Redding Center of the Arts. The foundation, established in 2007, remains dedicated to empowering and motivating youth by bettering education programs that focus on music, writing, and instrumentation.
Otis Redding Foundation programs include the annual Otis Music Camp for ages 12-18, Camp DREAM for ages 5-11, and opportunities to perform on iconic stages such as the Ryman Theater in Nashville.
“We are thrilled to honor Jermaine Dupri at this year’s King of Soul Music Festival,” said Karla Redding-Andrews, vice president and executive director of the Otis Redding Foundation.
Redding-Andrews has known Dupri since they were young and “visiting the Big ‘O’ Ranch with his dad.”
“JD aligns with Otis Redding’s spirit and the foundation’s mission to inspire and empower young artists,” she said.
Durpri credits Otis Redding III for teaching him how to make beats.
“While I understand the family is honoring me, in my mind, I am also honoring them for all they have allowed me to do, see and be a part of at a time when they didn’t have to,” Dupri said.
On Sept. 8, the celebration will start with “An Evening of Respect” concert, featuring Orchestra Noir, known to pay homage to the cultural achievements of African American music pioneers across various genres, including classical, jazz, blues, hip-hop, and R&B, at the Macon City Auditorium.
The event continues Sept. 9 with “The Big ‘O’ Homecoming Show & Dance” at the Capitol Theatre. Audiences can expect a lineup of famed artists and musicians will perform on both nights to honor Otis Redding’s enduring musical legacy.
For more information about the festival, ticket sales, and the Otis Redding Foundation, visit otisreddingfoundation.org.