Check Out This Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
New Jersey native Ty Taylor from the band Vintage Trouble performed at the Otis Redding tribute at the Apollo Theatre. The tribute celebrated the classic album “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of The Bay.” Ty is from Montclair, New Jersey.
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, the Otis Redding Foundation has released “Show Love.” The inspirational song was written and produced by teenage students who attended the Otis Music Camp. The song is based on the sermon “Loving Your Enemies.” Dr. King delivered it at Dexter Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama in 1957. The song includes excerpts from the sermon. Dexter Baptist Church has been designated a historic landmark. With significant African American history since its opening in 1887. Much of Montgomery’s early civil rights activity was directed by Dr. King from his office in the church.
“We are always proud of the students who participate in the music camps that the Otis Redding Foundation offers each year,” stated Karla Redding-Andrews, Vice-President and Executive Director.” Redding-Andrews also shared, “This song was recorded during the 2020 pandemic in the virtual Otis Music Camp. It represents the love and respect these young people have for Dr. King during the height of the “pandemic,” a word they had never heard before.”
Writers and Performers
Some amazing kids wrote and performed “Show Love.” They include Sharina Cody, Daylen Clowers, Trevor Hudson, Ella Smith, and Jayden Tolbert. Saxton Keitt, Isaac Gibson, and Reese Soul were the producers.
“My husband believed in giving young people an opportunity to grow through music. Our camps inspire them to write, perform, produce, and play instruments,” said Zelma Redding, Founder and President. “We are excited about the new Otis Redding Center for the Arts which broke ground in Macon in September 2022. We will be able to expand our programs and allow more young people to grow their musical talents.”
Song and Video
Check out the song and lyric video which contains Martin Luther King Jr. speech excerpts…
The Mission
The Otis Redding Foundation’s mission is to empower, enrich, and motivate all young people through programs involving music, writing, and instrumentation. Additionally, every partnership and program sponsored since its inception in 2007 supports the philanthropic commitment of Otis Redding. His goal was to empower and enlighten all young people to fulfill their dreams.