Otis Redding: Latest News

Glasgow-based funk and soul band, The McCommitments, are to headline at the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Relay for Life event in Kilmarnock this summer.

John Boyega has been tapped to star as Otis Redding in an upcoming biopic of the late soul icon’s life.The film, titled Otis & Zelma, per a Variety report is being directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples (Miss Juneteenth) and will see Danielle Deadwyler as Otis’ widow Zelma Redding.Otis & Zelma will reportedly chronicle the life and career of Otis Redding and “the 10 short years Otis and Zelma had together, and their eternal love story after his passing.” The logline continues: “Zelma’s resilience and determination to preserve his musical legacy for the last 56 years fuels her, just as much as Otis’ love for Zelma fueled him.”With revisions by Godfrey Peoples, Otis & Zelma is written by acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and actor Donnetta Lavinia Grays.Best known for his hits like ‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay’, ‘Respect’, ‘These Arms Of Mine’, ‘I’ve Been Loving You Too Long’ and ‘Hard To Handle’, Otis Redding rose to prominence as a soul musician in the 1960s. Prior to his fame, Otis at the age of 18 met Zelma and they got married in 1961.

Lizzo showed off her powerful vocals and all for a good cause on Saturday.

Very few people can say they've sat with legendary Stax Records co-founder Jim Stewart at his kitchen table. Let alone listened to the 89-year-old recount stories about the venerable Memphis label and its iconic roster of creatives and executives, including Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, The Staple Singers, William Bell, songwriter David Porter (Sam & Dave’s "Soul Man"), longtime publicist Deanie Parker and the label's former co-owner Al Bell.