Otis Redding’s story is part of Macon’s story. On Wednesday, September 9, Macon-Bibb County will make that connection even more visible with the dedication of Otis Redding Way.
The newly designated route will include portions of Cotton Avenue and Mulberry Street Lane near the Otis Redding Center for the Arts. The dedication will take place on what would have been the soul legend’s 85th birthday.
The public ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Zelma Redding Amphitheater at the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, located at 436 Cotton Avenue in downtown Macon.
Otis Redding’s Macon Story
Born in Dawson, Georgia, in 1941, Redding moved to Macon with his family when he was two years old. It was here that his musical talent began to take shape.
He sang in the choir at Vineville Baptist Church, played in the band at Ballard Hudson High School and competed in talent shows at the historic Douglass Theatre. As a teenager, he won the theatre’s five-dollar talent-show prize 15 times in a row before he was no longer allowed to compete.
From those early Macon stages, Redding became one of the most influential soul singers and songwriters of all time. His recordings included “These Arms of Mine,” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” “Respect,” “Try a Little Tenderness” and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”
His music reached audiences around the world, but his connection to Macon remained deeply personal.
“As we continue to cement my dad’s musical and philanthropic legacy, this street dedication only a few feet from where his office was is very symbolic of his impact,” said Karla Redding-Andrews, Redding’s daughter and vice president and executive director of the Otis Redding Foundation. “With much appreciation for our supporters in the city of Macon and Bibb County, we’re humbled and excited to celebrate this recognition for the man, the artist and the philanthropist that dad was.”
Otis Redding’s Legacy Continues in Macon
Redding’s influence in Macon extended beyond music. He invested in young people, provided scholarships, supported educational initiatives and created a summer camp for underserved youth.
That work continues through his family, the Otis Redding Foundation and the Otis Redding Center for the Arts. Through music and arts education, young people throughout Central Georgia have opportunities to develop their talents, build confidence and find their voices.
The dedication of Otis Redding Way recognizes more than the achievements of an internationally celebrated artist. It honors a Macon story that continues to create opportunities, bring people together and shape the city’s cultural identity.
For those who live here, those discovering Macon for the first time and those who know the city through its music, Otis Redding Way offers another reason to understand why Macon holds such a distinctive place in American music history.
Attend the Otis Redding Way Dedication
The street dedication ceremony is open to the community.
Otis Redding Way Street Dedication
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Zelma Redding Amphitheater
Venue: Otis Redding Center for the Arts
Address: 436 Cotton Avenue, Macon, Georgia
Additional ceremony details are available through Macon-Bibb County.
Featured photo: Matt Odom Photography