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Luda, Estelle, Anthony Hamilton, and even Ray-J....
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So many familiar faces came out last night to pay their respects, to a late musical genius Otis Redding. Held at the Woodruff Arts Center, last night, was whole heartedly an “Evening of Respect.” Being that the singer, songwriter, and philanthropist Otis Redding was born in Georgia, a charitable concert is held every year in his honor. Redding was obviously a musical genius, with legendary hits, like “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”, and “Dock of the Bay”. However, what many don’t immediately know is that he was an advocate for the disadvantaged inner-city youth. The “O” foundation, set-up by his late wife, Zelma Redding, believes in the education of the arts and supports educational programs that teach and inspire music.
And, Artists all came to support this evening indeed. Glamorous attendees walked, stopped and posed for the camera on the red carpet. The daughters of another soulful legend, James Brown, graced the red carpet in designer dresses, of course! But, who really cares who made them, so I didn’t ask. Especially being that Dr. Yamma Brown, was more interested in texting on her Blackberry in between the poses. Even the mysteriously fabulous were present; like the ex-wife of L.A. Reid, Pebbles, who stepped out of a Phantom Bentley straight onto the red carpet. The other mentionable attendees were Ludacris, Estelle, Anthony Hamilton, and Avant, and believe it or not Ray-J. What does he know about soul? Well, he says, “there is a lot of passion in Otis Redding songs…I’m here for the passion, and I’m here for the culture.” Then he started singing. Oh, God! Anway, Kenny Latimore and Chante Moore showed up too. Latimore performed Redding’s, “I Love You - More Than Words Can Say.” Many of the artist performed songs by Redding, to pay homage to one of their role model.
The big question for everybody on the red carpet last night was “What does Otis Redding mean to you?” (One last poke at Ray J, because he’s an easy target.) Ray J replied, he was big fan of the big “O”. And continued, “Though, I can’t name a record off hand…I’m here for my history, I here to learn tonight,” I’m sure.
SERIOUSLY THOUGH…
To me, the biggest name at the “Evening of Respect: A Tribute to Otis Redding” was a group of “ordinary kids”! The Ron Clark Academy and the students were remarkably shining stars. The once-labeled under-achievers’, are learning at their fullest capacity with the help of music infused into their educational programming through the funding of organizations like the “O” Foundation, who believes in the power of education, and this event proved that.
The Ron Clark Academy became famous, after their 2 million hits on YouTube for an educational version remix of T.I.’s, “You have whatever you like!” These children labeled with disadvantaged made their own rendition to the lyrics, singing, “You can vote however you like!” Then they followed that performance, by singing, MJ’s: “Man in the Mirror!” Those almost made me cry in front of Ray J! Please check them out and make a chartable contribution to our future, today, by giving to either of these causes! For more information on giving, to the “O” foundation: http://www.otisredding.com/?page_id=105.
For more information on the Ron Clark Academy: www.ronclarkacademy.com
Ron Clark Academy
228 Margaret St.
Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: (678) 651-2100
Fax: (678) 651-2121
information@ronclarkacademy.com
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