There’s a reason why Aretha Franklin is referred to as the Queen of Soul. Unlike the pop stars of today, Ms. Franklin doesn’t rely on teams of backup dancers, elaborate stage shows, and outfits better suited for a porn star than a musical performer. And, for the most part, she never has. Her status comes down to two things: voice and presence. This was all that was necessary for Aretha Franklin to blow away a crowd of adoring fans in Austin on Wednesday. In fact, the diva won the crowd over before she even graced the stage with her personal orchestra, conducted by none other than the legendary H.P. Barnum. Playing samples of Ms. Franklin’s best-known songs along with a take on “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” the band built up just the right amount of excitement. When an assistant set a zebra-print purse in front of the grand piano, there was no question – the Queen of Soul was en route.
Aretha Franklin was all smiles as she greeted the adoring audience, who gave her a standing ovation before she launched into her cheerful, flawless take on Jackie Wilson’s timeless “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher.” “Angel” slowed things down and allowed Ms. Franklin to showcase her sultry, silky smooth vocals, using the microphone to create an extra vibrato effect. She executed the song perfectly despite having to repeatedly wipe her eyes, which she later joked was “mascara stinging.” The audience was encouraged to sing along to “A Natural Woman,” while the funky “Jump To It” saw them dancing in the balcony like a scene from a Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep movie. One of the highlights of the evening came during Ms. Franklin’s rendition of B.B. King’s “Sweet Sixteen,” which she added an extra a touch of sensuality to by leaning on the piano and bringing her guitarist up front for a scorching, bluesy solo. After proving that she can tackle the blues like no other, Ms. Franklin was given the first of several bouquets she would receive throughout the night before leaving the stage.
Though some in attendance looked terrified at the prospect of Aretha Franklin calling it a night after a mere six songs, they were comforted when her orchestra continued playing. Finally she returned and jumped right into the middle of Pharell’s “Happy” before taking the set in a spiritual direction. “Amazing Grace” saw the diva and her band taking on a gospel classic, infecting the audience with the need to throw their hands up, and with a voice like Aretha’s, it indeed felt like salvation. The mood stayed high for “Chain of Fools” and even the somber “Ain’t No Way,” but where Ms. Franklin really shined was on “Sweet Bitter Love” when she sat down at the piano and showed off her instrumental chops while exuding charm.
By the time Aretha closed out her set with “Freeway of Love,” the crowd was once again on their feet, clapping and cheering for this living monument of musical history. At the age of seventy-two, Ms. Franklin blew kisses, accepted more flowers, and appeared every bit as thankful for her audience after having spent the last fifty years in the spotlight. It made sense when she returned for an encore of what is one of her most famous songs, “Respect.” In her elder years Aretha Franklin still commands respect, and her very presence can make a room full of thousands feel embraced. In Austin, her voice sounded fully intact and more powerful than ever. There were no need for gimmicks and high-end production, just Aretha Franklin on a stage radiating positivity and singing her heart out with that sweet, untouchable voice.
Photos by Maggie Boyd
