Musician Otis Redding III dead from cancer at 59

Guitarist, music royalty and once-reluctant singer Otis Redding III is dead at 59, according to his family.

“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.,” his sister Karla Redding-Andrews confirmed on Facebook Wednesday.

The guitar-playing son of Otis Redding Jr., whose 1960s classics included “The Dock on the Bay” and “These Arms of Mine,” was 3 years old when his famous father died in a 1967 plane crash.

Redding III also sang on occasion. When he toured with soul singer Eddie Floyd, Floyd told him he’d have to perform a few of his dad’s hits, he told Maine TV station WCSH is 2018. When Redding III told Floyd “I don’t sing,” the soul singer — known for hits including “Knock on Wood” — told him that was about to change.

During that interview, Redding III conceded his own musical ambitions were eclipsed by his dad’s enormous legacy.

“No matter how hard I try to do my own thing, you know, it’s like... sing one of your daddy’s songs,” Redding III said.

Redding III enjoyed some success with The Reddings, which he formed with his brother Dexter Redding and singer Mark Lockett. Their 1980 debut single “Remote Control” made the Billboard Hot 100. They continued performing through 1988.

Redding III then went on to play as a solo performer, including 2018 gigs at the Apollo Theater and Carnegie Hall to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of his father’s death.

“I’m excited for him, I’m excited for my family — just thankful and honored his legacy keeps going on and on,” he told Macon.com.

Asked if there’s one thing most people don’t know about his father, Redding III replied the most famous song his dad wrote may have been “Respect,” which became a huge hit for Aretha Franklin.

With News Wire Services