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Zelma's Top 10 e call her the Queen of Soul. Otis Redding was her husband. In 2022 The New York Times declared, "She Never Stopped Loving Otis Redding. Her City Never Stopped Needing Him" as the headline of a passionate feature about Macon's future and Redding's part in it. Her work has propelled his legacy into the future. Otis Redding Center for the Arts will soon be a cultural hub on Cotton Avenue, and nearby, a sign will mark the only reserved street parking spot for a named individual: Reserved for the Queen of Soul, Mrs. Zelma Redding. Here are her top Macon institutions: W 1 DOUGLASS THEATRE This is where I met Otis. I was Ms. Zelma Atwood when I attended a concert there in 1959. I caught Otis' eye, and I remember he made a crass remark. But he wooed me anyway. We married on Aug. 17, 1961. 2 MACON MILLENNIALS I love the community growth happening thanks to the millennials in our region. It fills me with pride to see younger-generation-led small businesses arising and nonprofit leaders helping our community. 3 OTIS REDDING FOUNDATION The Otis Redding Foundation is basically my fifth child. Founded in 2007, it's been expanding ever since. We offer many programs for Macon youth like Otis Music Camp and Camp DREAM in June and July. 4 FOOD Macon boasts some of the world's best food. I have a few go-to restaurants. For breakfast, nothing beats NuWay Weiner, founded in 1916. For dinner, I love going to Jim Shaw's, established in 1987. 5 DOWNTOWN So many new businesses are reigniting the flame that was once blazing in Downtown Macon. From Baldino's, a modern little sandwich shop on upbeat Cherry Street, to the fairly new Capricorn Museum and Sound Studios, and all the attractions in between, there is evidence of significant growth. 6 MACON MUSIC Of course, my husband's music and the music of all the Reddings in our family still enlivens me. I also love the melodies of the Allman Brothers, and you can still catch me singing and swaying to Little Richard when I'm feeling lively. 7 COLLEGE STREET I was born in the 40s, and I've always been enamored with the exquisite architecture on College Street, especially the Colonial- style homes. Despite the negative history most of those older homes hold, they represent how time has passed, and how we can grow and change for the better without losing what was beautiful about the past. They make me dream of all the things possible for future generations of Macon. 8 AGAIN, FOOD I believe food – like music – is a form of artistic expression. It's remarkable how people can craft something that not only nourishes the body but also entices the senses. Personally, I deeply admire the cuisines presented at Hotel Forty Five and Natalia's. Whenever I have out-of- town visitors, Natalia's is my go-to choice. 9 OTIS REDDING MUSEUM The Otis Redding Museum is a semicircular space that details the life of Otis Redding Jr. It takes visitors on a chronological journey, unfolding his remarkable life story. Our love story and other intriguing highlights from his extraordinary life are showcased in the museum, which proudly displays items from my personal collection. 10 OTIS REDDING JR. Our love, deep understanding, and joint commitment to philanthropy have touched countless lives in this region. Although Mr. Redding's life was tragically cut short at age 26, we had already discussed the necessary business initiatives and community outreach. Building upon our shared vision, I have diligently expanded upon our plans, and I pray that my late husband would be proud of the lasting impact we've had on this city. Long ago, I made the choice never to remarry. I only ever wanted to be Mrs. Otis Redding Jr. PHOTO BY DSTO MOORE 104 maconmagazine.com | JUNE/JULY 2023