Thursday, September 24, 2009

The Big 'O' Youth Educational Dream Foundation Celebrates the Legacy of the Immortal Otis Redding

/PRNewswire/ -- The Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation and the Woodruff Arts Center of Atlanta will host a star-studded musical tribute to honor the music and legacy of the immortal Otis Redding, it was announced today by Zelma Redding, founder of the Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation, and Joe Bankoff, President and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center. In addition, The Big "O" Recognition & Awards Banquet will precede the tribute and will honor Kyle and Pattie Petty for their work and humanitarian efforts through the Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America; Chris "Ludacris" Bridges for his work with the Ludacris Foundation and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin who will receive the Zelma Redding Horizon Award. Additional honorees will be announced shortly.

Otis Redding was an international star known for hits including "RESPECT," These Arms of Mine" and "Mr. Pitiful." His untimely death at the age of 26 shocked music fans around the world. The musical tribute, "An Evening of RESPECT," will feature performances and appearances from a host of entertainers and celebrity guests including Redding's sons Dexter and Otis Redding III who will be backed up by the Shep Crawford Rhythm Section and The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra.

"Otis accomplished so many things in his short life," commented Mrs. Redding. "He believed in education and while the world continues to appreciate his music, we are continuing to do our best to enrich the lives of young people by enabling them to continue their education through the many programs that we support."

"The success of the foundation is rooted in the love and support that we have received over the years from the City of Macon, Bibb County and the Macon Convention and Visitors Bureau," continued Mrs. Redding. "We are proud to be honoring them at An Evening of RESPECT and acknowledging their continued support which includes the naming of the Otis Redding Bridge, the erection of the Otis Redding statue in Gateway Park and the critically-acclaimed exhibit, "I've Got Dreams To Remember," in Otis' honor at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame."

"The Woodruff Arts Center is proud to serve as a partner of the Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation," stated Joe Bankoff, President and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center. "The Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation shares in the Woodruff Arts Center's commitment to education in the arts for all of Georgia's children. The 'Evening of Respect' musical tribute to Mr. Otis Redding comes at a pivotal moment in our time and emphasizes the importance of music in continued education, learning and growth in the lives of our youth."

The event is a fundraiser for The Big "O" Youth Educational Dream Foundation established in 2007. For ticket information: www.otisredding.com or www.woodruffcenter.org or call 404-733-5000.

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