Estate of Otis Redding joins the Woodruff Arts Center of Atlanta for a star-studded “Evening of Respect” Tribute | Nov. 5th, 2009

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.

About the Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation

The Big “O” Youth Educational Dream Foundation’s mission is to
empower and enlighten youth to remain confident and motivated through
programs related to music and the arts. The foundation was a
significant dream Otis had to encourage young people to stay in school.
He had already developed programs to be held at our ranch where we
invited people from all aspects of the music industry to lecture on the
importance of education and learning. Our theme is Progress Through Education/Enlightenment Through Music.

About the Woodruff Arts Center

Over the past 40 years, the Woodruff Arts Center has distinguished
itself as one of the premier cultural centers in the nation, a unique
institutional model where individual arts institutions unite to form a
collaborative, inspiration, and supportive environment for the arts and
education. Originally founded as the Atlanta Arts Alliance in the
Memorial Arts Building, the Woodruff Arts Center campus, located on
906,000 square feet in the heart of Midtown Atlanta houses four
renowned arts organizations including the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta
Symphony Orchestra, the High Museum of Art, and Young Audiences, with
the 14th Street Playhouse located only a few blocks away. Since its
founding in 1968, Woodruff Arts Center has served more than 30 million
patrons and annually offers more than 3,300 performances and
exhibitions. In addition to its role as a cultural beacon and hub of
the Southeast, the Center serves as a critical economic, educational,
and social catalyst for Atlanta and the region and is a cornerstone to
the ongoing development and transformation of the entire city.