Macon native and R&B star Otis Redding gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles has officially unveiled a new star for Otis Redding, a celebrated soul and R&B musician from Macon.

The star was presented in a Friday ceremony. Zelma Redding, Otis Redding’s widow was alongside his children and grandchildren to attend the event. His daughter, Karla Redding-Andrews, accepted the honor on Redding’s behalf and spoke.

“He loved his wife, he loved his family, he loved his children, and he loved his fans around the world,” Redding-Andrews said. “Today, we honor not just the music, but the incredible man behind it.”

Prominent musicians, actors and entertainers were also present, including hip-hop artist Killer Mike and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Jam.

Redding was born in Dawson and raised in Macon. He first became interested in music when he sang at Vineville Baptist Church as a child.

Redding rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “Try a Little Tenderness,” “Respect” and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Redding saw 17 of his singles reach the top 20 of the R&B charts, and five of his albums charted in the top five. He cited fellow Maconite Little Richard as one of his main inspirations.

His career was cut short when died in 1967 at 26-years-old in a plane crash in Wisconsin. In the years following his death, Redding has been posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Numerous musicians have been influenced by his style and paid homage to him, including Jay-Z, the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Marvin Gaye.