Graffiti Bridge Artist Chaz Ogden put his considerable talents into this beautiful, full panel mural to honor the life of “The Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. We at The Graffiti Bridge are taking a moment of silence to send send her off right!
From demanding respect, to being a natural woman, Franklin wove a vibrant tapestry of beauty, grace, poise and raw talent through 5 decades of rich culture and American history. Over the years she was equally successful in the genres of Gospel, Soul, and finally Pop music.
The first woman to be inducted into the Rock N Roll hall of fame in 1987. Franklin performed in both the first and very last years of the Obama Whitehouse. She performed a haunting and dramatic version of “My country tis of thee” at the 2009 inauguration of President Obama.
Called the “Greatest Singer of all time,” by Rolling Stone Magazine. For Franklin, this title was given not only for her amazing voice, but also her brilliant songwriting talent. She would take a single word, not a song, but just a word and turn it into the power behind an entire movement.
This is what she did with her very first number one title Respect. In 1967 the one word R.E.S.P.E.C.T was her first grammy, right after she had moved to Atlantic records. Originally written by Otis Redding about respect from his woman. She took his song and his word, but, turned it into a movement, respect for civil rights, women, and just any group demanding respect.
As we mourn the passing of this Legendary individual, let us remember all the things she stood for, and the power she has provided for many other people. And as our Mural today stated, “You got 2 Think, show a lil’ Respect, or you’ll be in a Chain of Fools.” So go forth, be inspired and do your best to inspire others!
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