Otis Redding gets a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Soul singer Otis Redding, who died in a plane crash in 1967 on his way to a performance, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday.

In 1962, Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers had an audition in Memphis for the rising new label, Stax Records. Jenkins blew his shot, but with time left at the end of the session, his driver persuaded the Stax team to let him take a turn at the microphone. The solemn, simmering performance of “These Arms of Mine” that followed stopped the musicians cold — and went on to alter the sound of pop music to come.

That opportunistic vocalist was named Otis Redding, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday.

Jimmy Jam, a music producer and the master of ceremonies for the unveiling of the star, lauded Redding as legendary. "And I say legendary with all capital letters," Jam added.

"His groundbreaking moves as an artist and philanthropist continue to inspire to this day," Jam said.

Jam introduced rapper Michael Santiago, aka "Killer Mike," who praised Redding's character, as well as his music. Santiago started off by thanking Zelma Redding, Otis Redding's wife, who attended the ceremony.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/otis-redding-gets-posthumous-star-hollywood-walk-fame-rcna173868

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