DAWSON, Ga. (WALB) - On December 10, 1967, legendary soul musician Otis Redding, who was from South Georgia, died in a plane crash.

Redding was influenced by his upbringing in the church and by other legends Little Richard and Sam Cooke. His career as a vocalist took off in the 1960s.

He had several hits of his own and covered songs like Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction.” But Redding did not get to witness his biggest success for himself.

Redding’s only number-1 hit, “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” was released just three months after Redding died in a plane crash. He was only 26 years old.

The private plane, headed to Madison, Wisconsin, crashed with Redding and seven others on board. All of them died but one.

Since his death, Redding has been honored with inductions into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A statue was unveiled in Redding’s honor in Macon in 2002.

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