Otis Redding Bio: Age, Net Worth, Height, Wife, Albums, Songs, Legacy, Career

Otis Ray Redding Jr. also known as Otis Redding is a prominent American singer, songwriter, record producer, and musician known as the King of Soul for his powerful, emotive voice and raw, passionate delivery that defined Southern soul music in the 1960s.

With timeless hits like (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay, Try a Little Tenderness, and Respect, he became one of the most influential artists in American music history, bridging rhythm and blues with rock and roll while leaving an indelible mark on generations of performers.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Otis Ray Redding Jr.
• Stage Name: Otis Redding
• Born: September 9, 1941
• Age: 26 years old at death
• Died: December 10, 1967
• Birthplace: Dawson, Georgia, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: American
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Musician
• Height: 6 feet 1 inch
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Otis Redding Sr. and Fannie Roseman Redding
• Siblings: Five
• Spouse: Zelma Redding
• Children: Four
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $10 million USD

Early Life and Education

Otis Redding was born on September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, United States. He was brought up by his parents, Otis Redding Sr., a sharecropper and part-time preacher, and Fannie Roseman Redding, in a large family where music played a central role through gospel and church singing.

He grew up with five siblings and moved with the family to Macon, Georgia when he was young. He attended Ballard-Hudson High School where he sang in the school band and choir before dropping out to help support the family by working various jobs. His ethnicity is American, and his religion is Christianity.

Career

Otis Redding began his professional path singing in local talent shows and with bands in Macon before joining Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers as a driver and occasional singer. He recorded his first single These Arms of Mine in 1962 which became a regional hit and led to a contract with Stax Records.

He quickly rose to stardom with a string of soul classics including Pain in My Heart, Mr. Pitiful, I’ve Been Loving You Too Long, and Try a Little Tenderness. Otis headlined the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and was preparing for mainstream crossover success when he tragically died in a plane crash on December 10, 1967, at age 26. His posthumous single (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay topped the charts and won two Grammy Awards.

From humble Georgia roots to becoming the voice of Southern soul, he influenced artists from Aretha Franklin and Al Green to modern R&B and rock performers. His raw emotion, stage presence, and songwriting talent made him a legend whose music continues to resonate worldwide more than five decades after his passing.

Social Media

• Otis Redding does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Otis Redding was 26 years old at the time of his death and his height was 6 feet 1 inch. He was married to Zelma Redding from 1961 until his death. No publicly known past relationships.

They had four children including son Dexter Redding and daughter Karla Redding-Andrews and prioritized family time while building his music career and supporting his community in Macon.

Net Worth

Otis Redding‘s net worth is estimated at $10 million USD adjusted for the enduring value of his music catalog and estate. His income primarily came from record sales and royalties, live performances and tours, songwriting credits, and posthumous releases and licensing of his catalog through Stax Records.