On August 16, 2018, Aretha Franklin passed away at the age of 76. A legendary musician, one of the greatest singers of all time, and the unrivaled “Queen of Soul”, Franklin’s impact on music goes beyond words.
In the years since her passing, her former home in Detroit, Michigan, was bought and renovated, and we were lucky to host a special “Diva’s Night” Sofar here back in July as a tribute to the late great Franklin.
The show sold out in 3 hours, with folks eager to visit the home and catch an unforgettable evening of music on the patio just outside the historic Rose Estate.
It was an honor for us and our Sofar Detroit team to be among the first to bring music back into the storied walls of the house. Special shoutout to Kindra Parker for all her hard work putting this show together!
Check out the breathtaking performances of these modern-age divas.
Alise King | “Life”
Alise King once opened for Aretha Franklin, so it’s no wonder she would be a perfect fit for this show. The singer performed her song “Life”, a powerful anthem on the difficulties of life on earth and the social issues we still face today, including segregation, famine, and disease. While King delivers powerful vocal flourishes, you can feel Franklin’s legacy in the air.
Angela Davis | “Night Breeze”
Detroit-based neo-soul singer and international activist Angela Davis delivered this gorgeous song about longing for the one you love. “Night Breeze” features R&B and jazz touches, as well as perfect harmonies that show off Davis’s vocal control. Davis is also very familiar with the work of Franklin, having performed at the Aretha Franklin Tribute in 2018.
Brittney B Hayden | “Tethrd”
Born and raised in Detroit, soul singer Brittney B. Hayden grew up in a musical family who likely had plenty of Aretha Franklin’s music playing in the house. That influence is felt all over her song “Tethrd”, which is about that feeling of wanting to leave but realizing you can’t because you’re still holding on to the past. “I had to learn that really it was me who was holding on,” Hayden sings.
Wanna feel the soul for yourself? We don’t blame you. Check out our Groove & Flow shows happening in a city near you – or check out any of our other shows and let the soul find you!
