Otis Redding

Redding in a trade ad for his single “Try a Little Tenderness,” Billboard, page 7, 7 January 1967, Volt Records

Birth Name: Otis Ray Redding, Jr.

Date of Birth: September 9, 1941

Place of Birth: Dawson, Georgia, U.S.

Date of Death: December 10, 1967

Place of Death: Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.

Ethnicity: African-American

Otis Redding was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, arranger, and talent scout. He was also known as The Big O, The Mad Man from Macon, Rockhouse Redding, and The King of Soul.

He was the son of Fannie Mae (Roseman) and Otis Ray Redding.

Otis was married to Zelma Atwood, until his death, with whom he had four children. Several of them later founded the band the Reddings.

Otis’ paternal grandfather was named Will Redding.

Otis’ paternal grandmother was named Laura Fambro (the daughter of George Fambro and Carrie). Laura was born in Georgia. Her parents were ex-slaves who took their master’s surname, Fambrough.

Otis’ maternal grandparents were named John Roseman and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Gaunders. John and Lizzie were born in Georgia.

Sources: Otis Redding: An Unfinished Life, 2017, by Jonathan Gould

Genealogies of Otis Redding – http://www.wikitree.com
http://www.findagrave.com

Otis’ father on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Otis’ paternal grandmother, Laura Fambro, on the 1880 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Otis’ mother on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org
Otis’ mother on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org