It's the song that virtually named Macon native Otis Redding as the "King of Soul". Tuesday marked 45 years that Redding's "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" hit the airwaves.

If your in Macon, you know of Otis Redding, and if you know of Otis Redding, you know of "Dock of the Bay". The song has stood the test of time and it's still a hit.

"Great song, very classic song," said Ben Heber.

For many, the song brings memories of the past.

"It just reminds me of the old days and how things used to be," said Harmon Pinkney.

"Bring you back long memories," said Ronald Rozier. "Long back when I was a little boy and first heard the song."

While still creating new ones.

"Your going to hear it a lot at my household," said Marcus Vann. "At family get-togethers, Thanksgiving, Christmas."

To some Redding is singing of a place of serenity.

"Just a since of paradise," said a young man.

In the process, making his hometown proud.

"He put Macon on the map," said Pinkney.

Redding never got the chance to see his song top the charts.

"It makes me feel like he was singing about his death before it even happened," said one man.

Maybe he was. He recorded the song just a few days before he died in a Madison, Wisconsin plane crash in Lake Monona less than four miles from the airport.

"Well I'm glad he did (record)," said Pinkney. "because what it did, it transcended generations, it transcended ethnic groups."

Rolling Stones magazine named "Dock of the Bay" as one of the 500 greatest songs ever. You can find it on page 33 of the 2011 edition at number 26. The song would be covered by artists from all genres including Pearl Jam, Willie Nelson, and Michael
Bolton, and song by grateful fans everywhere.

"Dock of the Bay" became Redding's only #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, and the first posthumous # single in U.S. chart history, selling 4 million copies worldwide and receiving more than 8 million airplays.

The song went on to win two Grammy Awards for best R&B song and best male R&B vocal performance.