STINGRAY DJAZZ RESPECTS ARETHA FRANKLIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 FROM 21:00
On what would have been her 84th birthday, Stingray DJAZZ pays tribute to the undisputed "Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin. The powerful voice and incredible legacy of the Memphis, Tennessee-born superstar continue to inspire. The celebration begins with the stunning channel premiere ‘Respect to Aretha’, a tribute concert that closed the 18th edition of the Parisian Jazz à la Villette festival in 2019. Under the masterful direction of Brooklyn's Afrobeat powerhouse collective Antibalas, a lineup of exceptional vocalists takes the stage to honor the icon. The evening features performances by the legendary Bettye LaVette, the neo-soul torchbearer Alice Russell, Nona Hendryx of "Lady Marmalade" fame, the Jamaican-inspired Zara McFarlane, and the genre-blending artist José James. Following the concert, the evening continues with the brief but insightful documentary ‘Rock Legends - Aretha Franklin’. Journey through the life and career of the gospel and soul icon, from her early days in her father's church to her rise as a global superstar who gave the world 'Respect' and received it in return. Music specialists offer their expert commentary, exploring the indelible mark Aretha Franklin left on music and culture. Celebrate the Queen of Soul with Stingray DJAZZ – on Wednesday, March 25 from 21:00!
Premiere: Respect to Aretha
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 AT 21:00
To close its 2019 edition, Jazz à la Villette pays tribute to the queen of soul Aretha Franklin, who died in the summer of 2018. The musical direction of the evening has been entrusted to Antibalas, an Afrobeat group from Brooklyn attached to the Daptones label, accompanied for the occasion by several guest singers: Bettye LaVette, José James, Alice Russell, Nona Hendryx & Zara McFarlane.
Documentary: Aretha Franklin
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 AT 22:35
After a period at Columbia Records, Franklin signed to Atlantic Records in 1967, where she achieved her commercial acclaim and success with songs such as "Respect", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", "Spanish Harlem" and "Think". By the end of the 1960s Franklin's chart dominance soon earned her the title Queen of Soul, while at the same time she also became a symbol of black empowerment during the Civil Rights Movement.
