Friends & Colleagues of Otis Redding III Respond with Kind Words for Him After His Transition
by Clarence Thomas, Jr. (thomasjr63@gmail.com), MGI Contributor
It’s been said that the best way to measure a man is by his actions. The Middle Georgia Informer recently spoke with three residents who knew Otis Redding III well as friends, professional colleagues, and community servants. Their words describe him as one whose works matched who he was as a person.
Redding III died from cancer last month at age 59. Following his transition his family released a statement on the Facebook page of the Otis Redding Foundation saying, “It is with heavy hearts that the family of Otis Redding III confirms that he lost his battle with cancer last evening.”
The namesake of his Macon born and bred father, Otis Redding, Jr., was a notable talent himself showcased in the 1980’s through The Reddings — a band comprised of Redding III, his brother Dexter, and fellow Maconite Mark Lockett. The six albums they released included the popular “Remote Control” and “Call the Law” which made the Billboard Music charts.
Known as O3 by family and close friends, Redding III continued appearances around the globe beyond The Reddings and experienced his own level of success. But in recent years his greatest impact may have been right here in his hometown through his work with the Otis Redding Foundation operated Otis Redding Music Camp and Meals on Wheels, Incorporated.
Our intimate conversation with those that knew him since childhood and as a man, reveals facets of Otis Redding III that is hardly known or discussed – making him one worth exploring beyond music and death.
Renowned trumpeter Newton Collier, played in Otis Redding, Jr’s band back in the day, in addition to other music greats like Sam and Dave and Percy Sledge. Affectionately referring to Redding III as “Junior”, Collier recalled watching his professional and personal ascent. “He reminded me of his father in how he built his career. He was a chip off the old block,” he said.
Collier further described Redding III as inspiring, giving, and nice. The fact that he had a good music tone and great stage presence should be duly noted too, says Collier; and that O3 carried his dad’s legacy very well as he built his own. Redding III using Macon as his base of operations was big as well says Collier. “He stayed grounded in the Middle Georgia area and that was unique,” Collier pointed out. “He stayed for the love of his family and Macon.”
Through the Otis Redding Music Camp, O3 could be found mentoring youth when not pushing its mission, message, and motives. Camp instructor and performing artist Vinson Muhammad of Macon got to know Redding III well through music camp related activities.
Muhammad, a prolific performing artist who goes by the stage name Alaz (God’s), began working as a music camp instructor in 2015 because he wanted to give back and help youth develop their talents. It led to collaborations with Redding III and students that gave Muhammad a firsthand look at how O3 operated professionally and personally.
“He took pride in his work. He was very meticulous about getting it right,” said Muhammad. But he cared for people and even had his legal team look over the music contract of one of Muhammad’s fellow entertainers in recent years at no charge he says. “He was always encouraging. I will always view him as a big brother that represented the living legacy of his father very well,” Muhammad added. “He worked to make sure his family, the community, and next generation are good.”
Meals on Wheels, Inc was one of the most fortunate members of the Macon community to have known Redding III. His love for seniors and concern for their well being moved him to start volunteering there in 2012. He was eventually elected to its board of directors and in 2020 became its president.
According to Meals on Wheels executive director Javonna Latimore, scores of meal recipients called the office soon after Redding III began delivering meals saying thanks for the food and him. “They loved him as much as he loved them. He was kind and had a warm and loving smile and spirit,” Latimore said. “We will forever be grateful to Otis for his dedication and service to Meals on Wheels.”
Otis Redding III is preceded in death by his father Otis Redding Jr., and survived by his mother Zelma; siblings Karla Reddings-Andrews, Dexter Redding, and Demetria Redding; and fiancé April Stephens; along with his aunts, uncle, niece, nephews, cousins, business associates, and special friends.
