An exhibit displaying rare photos and personal belongings of soul singer Otis Redding opened Monday, December 10th, and runs through April at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The opening of the exhibit commemorated the 40th anniversary of Redding’s death at age 26 in a plane crash near Madison, Wisconsin.
Redding recorded several classic songs, including “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” in the studio that stood at the present site of the Stax Museum.
The exhibit features mementos from Redding’s family, many on display for the first time. They range from pictures taken at Redding’s “Big O” Ranch near his hometown of Macon, Georgia, to a poster advertising the show he never made it to.
In addition to the artifacts on loan from Redding’s widow Zelma Redding and daughter Karla Redding-Andrews, the exhibit contains several items from private collector Bob Grady and never-before-shown objects from the Stax Museum archives.
“Stax Records was like a second home for Otis,” Zelma Redding said. “We are pleased to be able to share some of our personal family moments in this exhibit.”
“Otis Redding: From Macon to Memphis,” Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Through April 30th, 2008. $10
