Otis Redding (1941–1967) was a singer, songwriter, and producer often referred to as the King of Soul™. Known for releasing such acclaimed songs as "These Arms of Mine," "Try a Little Tenderness™," "Hard to Handle," and "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay," Redding is considered to be one of the most influential singers and songwriters of all time. He received two GRAMMYs as well as a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. To learn more, visit: otisredding.com.

Steve Cropper is an American guitarist and songwriter from Memphis, voted by Rolling Stone to be one of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time. Cropper started out in a band called the Mar-Keys and was later part of Booker T. & the MG's, releasing the Billboard chart-topping "Green Onions" and backing numerous artists such as Otis Redding and the iconic Blues Brothers band.

Kaitlyn Shea O'Connor (illustrator) is an illustrator and designer hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. She combines traditional skills with digital media to create vibrant, whimsical worlds. She's a rare hybrid of dog and cat lover, an avid whistler, and she enjoys exploring the great outdoors, trying new cheeses, and cozying up in a nook with a book. O'Connor illustrated the children's picture book We Got the Beat, with song lyrics by Charlotte Caffey.