Aretha Franklin live in Cologne: An unforgettable evening full of respect!

Aretha Franklin live in Cologne: An unforgettable evening full of respect!

On June 13, 2025, a very special musical event was announced in Cologne-Lindenthal. Ron Williams and Darnita Williams performed at the record store “Good Mood Records” and presented their new song “Ain’t but the one” from the show “RESPECT – The Aretha Franklin Story”. This event not only offered fans a foretaste of the upcoming Cologne Summer Festival, which will take place at the Philharmonie from July 29th to August 3rd, 2025, but also a tribute to the legendary Aretha Franklin.

“Good Mood Records” is known for its specialization in music from the 50s to the 80s and is run by Michele Sander. In the five years since it opened, the store has established itself as a meeting place for rock'n'roll, blues and soul fans. Ron Williams, an accomplished performer with over five decades of experience as an actor, cabaret artist, singer and host, highlighted Aretha Franklin's impressive musical legacy in his performance. Darnita Williams, who can look back on 35 years of experience and has worked with greats such as Morgan Freeman and Mariah Carey, spoke about the honor and challenge of interpreting the songs of the “Queen of Soul” live.

A look at Aretha Franklin's legacy

Aretha Franklin is known not only for her incomparable voice, but also for her influence on social development in the USA. The release of her song “Respect” in April 1967 in particular marked a turning point in her career. The song, which was based on the original by Otis Redding, quickly became an anthem of the civil rights and women’s movements. Franklin transformed Redding's machine into a powerful message that transcended the social norms of her time. Biography.com highlights that Franklin brought about a change in the song's identity through her unique interpretation, something even Redding herself has acknowledged.

The song “Respect” not only became a commercial success and spent 12 weeks at number one on the Billboard charts, but also became a symbol of empowerment and solidarity. The recordings included, among other things, the collaborative singing of her sisters Carolyn and Erma, which contributed to the unique timbre of the piece. Aretha Franklin, who previously toured with Martin Luther King Jr., used her music to address social issues and give weight to every line of her songs. The film “Respect,” in which Jennifer Hudson plays the lead role, impressively shows Aretha’s journey from traumatized child to “Queen of Soul,” who only found her artistic freedom under Atlantic producer Jerry Wexler.

An evening full of memories and emotions

Ron Williams will not only present the new song in his performance, but also tell stories about Aretha Franklin and her impressive career. His intervening explanations between songs promise to give viewers a deep insight into the music icon's life and challenges. It will be a journey through the 1960s, which was marked by struggles and triumphs.

In this context, “Good Mood Records” offered the perfect backdrop to celebrate Aretha Franklin’s musical verses. The anticipation for the show “RESPECT – The Aretha Franklin Story” is growing and will be felt with every subsequent event in Cologne. The people of Cologne can look forward to an unforgettable journey into the world of soul music that not only entertains, but also makes you think.