Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Otis Redding
The King of the Soul Singers
— 1941 - 1967 —
Photographed By William J. Toman, September 2, 2010
1. Otis Redding Marker
Known as the "King of the Soul Singers," Redding was acclaimed during his life in France and England as the world's top popular male singer. Four months after his death, he achieved his first American number one record with "Dock of the Bay."
On the morning of the flight to Madison, Redding had been warned of bad weather and was advised to postpone his trip. His loyalty to his Madison fans forced him to proceed. It was the only engagement of his career that he ever missed.
Otis Redding stands with Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke in the first rank of American rhythm and blues singers.
Erected 1987 by the Otis Redding Memorial Fund.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is December 10, 1967.
Location. 43° 4.326′ N, 89° 22.764′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Wilson Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, on the left when traveling west
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Black Hawk (a few steps from this marker); Mound City (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison Catholic Clubhouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Third Lake (about 500 feet away); Bellevue Apartments (about 500 feet away); Madison Club (about 500 feet away); Olin Terrace (about 500 feet away); Pioneer Men and Women (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Also see . . .
1. Official Otis Redding Online Community. (Submitted on September 3, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.)
2. Wikipedia Entry. “Born and raised in Georgia, United States, Redding left school at 15 to support his family, working with Little Richard's backing band, the Upsetters, and performing at talent shows for prize money. In 1958, he joined Johnny Jenkins’ band, the Pinetoppers, and toured the Southern United States as driver and musician. An unscheduled appearance on a Stax recording session led to a contract and his first single, ‘These Arms of Mine,’ in 1962. Stax released Redding’s debut album,
Photographed By William J. Toman, September 2, 2010
2. Otis Redding Marker
With Lake Monona in the background.
Additional commentary.
1. Try a Little Tenderness
Below is a YouTube video of a 1967 performance, the day before his death.
— Submitted December 8, 2013.
Photographed By William J. Toman, September 2, 2010
3. Otis Redding Marker
View of the seating area surrounding the marker, with John Nolen Drive in the background.
From a Volt Records Advertisement
4. Otis Redding (1941–1967)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,634 times since then and 73 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week December 8, 2013. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on December 8, 2013. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
