The Otis Redding Foundation will honor Jon Platt, Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Publishing, and The Peyton Anderson Foundation at the 4th Annual King of Soul Music Festival, happening September 12–13, 2025 in Macon, Georgia.

Honorees will be recognized during the festival’s gala, “An Evening of Respect,” on Friday, September 12 at the Macon City Auditorium. Announced on what would have been Otis Redding’s birthday, this year’s honorees embody his legacy of unity, compassion, and artistry.

Honorees

Jon Platt will receive the Otis & Zelma Redding Award of Respect for his commitment to education and the arts. Platt, who leads Sony Music Publishing with a songwriter-first approach, has been a driving force in championing artists and shaping the future of music.

The Peyton Anderson Foundation will be honored with the Otis Redding III Award of Philanthropy, recognizing organizations that uplift communities through education, culture, and civic engagement. The foundation has been a cornerstone of Macon and Middle Georgia for decades.

The Otis Redding Dream Award will be given posthumously to Josh Rogers, former President and CEO of NewTown Macon, whose leadership was instrumental in the revitalization of downtown and in the creation of the Otis Redding Center for the Arts.

Festival Highlights

The gala will feature performances from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band with special guests Lamont Landers and Yola.

Proceeds from the festival support the Otis Redding Center for the Arts (ORCA), which opened in March 2025. Located in downtown Macon, ORCA offers innovative programs combining music, arts, and technology—preparing young people for success both creatively and professionally.

Continuing the Legacy

The Otis Redding Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth through music and education. Through the King of Soul Music Festival and the new ORCA, the Foundation continues Otis Redding’s vision of inspiration, creativity, and opportunity for generations to come.

Learn more at: otisreddingfoundation.org