Otis Redding's musician son – Otis Redding III – dies, aged 59

20 April 2023, 10:13

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Otis Redding III, son of the legendary singer, had followed his father's footsteps into music.

Otis Redding III, the son of soul legend Otis Redding, has died at the age of 59.

His family confirmed yesterday (April 19) that he had died of cancer, The AP reports.

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"It is with heavy hearts that the family of Otis Redding III confirms that he lost his battle with cancer last evening at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, Ga.," read a statement from his sister Karla Redding-Andrews on the official facebook page for The Otis Redding Foundation.

"Otis was 59 years old. Please keep our family in your prayers at this time and please respect our privacy as we consume this huge loss.

"Arrangements will be announced at a later date."

Otis III had followed his father's footsteps as a professional musician, recording a clutch of albums in the 1980s with his brother Dexter as part of funk band The Reddings.

He worked as a touring guitarist for 'Knock on Wood' singer Eddie Floyd, who cajoled him into singing '(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay' and other hit songs by his father.

As well as his work as a musician, Otis III served as board president for the Middle Georgia chapter of the Meals on Wheels charity.

Otis II's father Otis Redding died in a plane crash in December 1967 at the age of 26, when his son was just three years old.