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Our story starts with our passion for improvement

Otis Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for our community through the education and empowerment of its youth. Prior to his untimely passing in 1967, Otis Redding was already awarding scholarships to young students continuing their education. After his death, his widow Mrs. Zelma Redding continued his philanthropic efforts, and established the Otis Redding Foundation in his honor in 2007. With its roots in music, the Foundation offers opportunities for youth to exercise their talents and expand their abilities.

Our mission is to empower, enrich and motivate all young people through programs involving music and arts education.

Camp DREAM

A one week summer camp that teaches creative arts to elementary school children. Throughout the week, campers will learn about piano, guitar, percussion, stage movement, and work together to write a song that they will perform at the end of the week.

OTIS Music Camp

A two week camp in the summer with a focus on songwriting, music theory, vocal and performance technique, and music business. Throughout the camp, campers will learn from industry professionals, write songs, learn to collaborate, and participate in a finale performance.

The DREAM Cast

A bi-weekly podcast created by the students of the Otis Music Camp in Macon, Georgia, a project of the Otis Redding Foundation. Each episode of the DREAMcast will feature stories and conversations with exceptional artists from our hometown of Macon, GA and around the world.

September 22, 2023

Otis Redding’s 2nd Annual King of Soul Music Festival Pays Tribute to Otis Redding’s Timeless Legacy

January 12, 2023 in News

Otis Redding Foundation Releases Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King

Otis Redding Foundation Releases Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Written, Produced and Performed by The Otis Redding Foundation AllStars, Available for Free on All Streaming Services Macon, GA (January…
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December 13, 2022 in News

OTIS REDDING FOUNDATION HOSTED 5th ANNUAL O’TIS THE SEASON HOLIDAY BENEFIT CONCERT AND FUNDRAISER

Macon, GA, (December 6, 2022) - The Otis Redding Foundation hosted their 5th annual end of the year holiday fundraiser and concert, at the Hargray Capitol Theatre on Saturday, December…
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October 4, 2022 in News

Alice L. Walton Foundation Contributes up to $1.175M in Challenge Grant to South Arts’ Southern Cultural Treasures Initiative

Led by South Arts, the initiative provides $6 million in support of 17 BIPOC arts and cultural orgs throughout Southeast over next three years. Atlanta, GA —October 4, 2022— South…
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September 12, 2022 in News

Macon, Georgia Proclaims September 9 and 10, 2022, Zelma and Otis Redding Weekend at Groundbreaking for the Otis Redding Center for the Arts

The Foundation received donations for the new Center from presenting sponsor, Cox Communications ($100,000) and Renasant Bank ($50,000) The weekend featured performances by GRAMMY Award winner Robert Glasper, GRAMMY Award…
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Take a walk through history

The Otis Redding Museum is located on Cotton Avenue right in the heart of Downtown of Macon, and has many Otis Redding treasures and merchandise that are exclusive to the museum. All proceeds from donations and items sold in the store benefit the Otis Redding Foundation’s programs.