Trivia

First artist to have a number one hit posthumously on Billboard's "Hot 100" chart with his recording of "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" (Volt 157). The song was recorded only three days before his untimely death.

The whistling at the end of "Dock of the Bay" was improvised on the spot by Redding because he forgot the words he had composed for the fade-out of the song (the song itself was written by Steve Cropper).

Posthumously inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame (1988), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989), the American Songwriters Hall of Fame (1994), and the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame (2013).

Peter Gabriel has admitted that his biggest international hit, "Sledgehammer", was inspired by Redding, who was his favourite singer as a teenager and one of his biggest influences.

Following his untimely death in a plane crash, he was interred on the grounds of his family estate in Round Oak, Jones County, Georgia.

Was one of the performers featured on a set of stamps of rock and blues legends issued by the U.S. Postal Service in June 1993.

He was voted the eighth greatest singer of the rock era in a Rolling Stone magazine poll (2008).

In 2007, his widow Zelma founded the Otis Redding Foundation in her husband's massive honor. The Foundation continues to offer music and arts education programs in Macon, Georgia.

His iconic song "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was released after his untimely death.

In 2002, the city of Macon, Georgia honored its native son by unveiling a memorial statue of Redding in the city's Gateway Park. The park is next to the Memorial Bridge, which crosses the Ocmulgee River.

He was posthumously awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Performance at 6150 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on October 4, 2024. Rapper Killer Mike and his daughter Karla Redding Andrews were guest speakers at the ceremony.

Had three biological children with his widow Zelma: sons Otis Redding III and Dexter Redding, and daughter Karla Redding. Zelma adopted a second daughter, Demetria Redding ("Dee Dee"), after Otis' untimely death.

He was voted the 21st Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

Was friends with singer-songwriter Wilson Pickett.

Brother of Louise McClain and Deborah Redding.