Macon City Auditorium — Otis Redding Funeral

On 18 December 1967, just eight days after the plane crash at Lake Monona, over 4,500 people packed into the Macon City Auditorium to pay their respects to Otis Redding. Fellow musicians including James Brown, Little Richard and Johnnie Taylor were among the mourners. Joe Simon sang Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross as Macon said farewell to its greatest musical son.

Built in 1925, the Macon City Auditorium is a grand civic venue that has hosted everything from concerts to political rallies. Its connection to Redding's funeral adds a layer of poignancy to an already historic building. The auditorium continues to host live events and is a landmark in its own right in downtown Macon.

The Macon City Auditorium is on First Street in downtown Macon. While it is primarily an events venue, the exterior and surrounding area are freely accessible. For Otis Redding fans walking through Macon, it is a sombre but important stop on the trail.