82° and Cloudy
Image
The statue of Otis Redding is located in front of the brand new Zelma Redding Amphitheater at the Otis Redding Center for the Arts and across the street from Hotel 45 (Photographer Nate Weeks)
A bronze tribute to one of Macon’s most legendary sons has found a new home. The statue of Otis Redding, first unveiled in 2002, now stands at the corner of Cotton Avenue and Cherry Street, welcoming visitors to the Zelma Redding Amphitheater at the brand new Otis Redding Center for the Arts. The move marks a significant shift in how the city honors the late soul singer - placing him not just in memory, but at the center of a vibrant cultural district.
Originally placed at Gateway Park overlooking the Ocmulgee River, the statue was the result of a partnership between the Redding family and NewTown Macon. Sculptors Bradley Cooley and Bradley Cooley Jr. captured Otis Redding in a moment of quiet reflection - immortalized in bronze, seated atop a fountain that evokes his timeless anthem, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”
The original music video for “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” has been viewed approximately 140 million times on YouTube
The statue’s new location is no coincidence. The statue now sits just blocks from property Redding owned in the 1960s, according to the Otis Redding Foundation, bringing his legacy full circle in the city he called home.
It also now serves as a symbolic gateway to three locations that celebrate Redding’s life and impact:
-
The Otis Redding Center for the Arts (ORCA) - ORCA's mission is to empower Middle Georgia youth through music, creativity, and education. ORCA is located at 436 Cotton Avenue.
-
The Zelma Redding Amphitheater - This amphitheater honoring Otis Redding's much beloved wife, Zelma Redding, is the newest outdoor venue for concerts and community events in Downtown Macon. It is located beside ORCA.
-
The Otis Redding Museum - A museum that preserves the personal story of Redding and professional journey of the King of Soul. The museum is located at 339 Cotton Avenue.
All are within easy walking distance in downtown Macon, forming a growing arts and culture corridor that honors the past while investing in the future.
Photograph courtesy of the Otis Redding FoundationRelocating the statue wasn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about access and inspiration. The new placement invites visitors, students, and music lovers to engage with Redding’s story in a deeper way. Whether you're attending a performance, touring the museum, or simply passing by, the statue stands as a reminder of Otis Redding’s enduring influence - and Macon’s proud role in music history.
