King's Daughter's Kitchen

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin sings my all-time favorite songs. Her album Lady Soul introduced me to thought-provoking, moving sounds and words of real expression. The emotions and stories Aretha conveyed in “Chain of Fools,” “People Get Ready,” “Ain’t No Way,” and “A Natural Woman” made me believe that she connected to me.

Lady Aretha came into my room through the speaker box and understood exactly what I felt. It is difficult to choose the one album if I were to try to pick her best work. I couldn’t leave out “Respect,” “Spanish Harlem,” “Do Right Woman,” or “I Never Loved a Man.” Her entire Amazing Grace album also met me where I was, caught me up, and made time disappear. Her voice still can take me away if I let it. A great performance will do that.