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Grandstand for Soul: Ron and Darnita Williams celebrate Aretha in Cologne!
On June 13, 2025, Ron and Darnita Williams presented a new song from “RESPECT – The Aretha Franklin Story” in Cologne-Lindenthal.
Grandstand for Soul: Ron and Darnita Williams celebrate Aretha in Cologne!
On June 13, 2025, visitors to the Lindenthal district of Cologne experienced a musical highlight. Ron Williams and Darnita Williams performed at the renowned 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 was a foretaste of the upcoming Cologne Summer Festival, which will take place in the Philharmonie from July 29th to August 3rd, 2025. The show celebrates the life and music of the legendary Aretha Franklin.
“Good Mood Records”, a meeting place for rock’n’roll, blues and soul fans, is headed by Michele Sander and has made a name for itself over the past five years. During the performance, Ron and Darnita Williams spoke about their personal connection to the “Queen of Soul.” Ron Williams highlighted Aretha Franklin's vast musical legacy and emphasized her influence on both artists and society.
The influence of Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin released her iconic version of "Respect" in April 1967 at the age of 24, reaching number one on the Billboard charts where the song stayed for twelve weeks. Otis Redding originally released the song in 1965, but Franklin transformed it into a powerful anthem of women's empowerment and the fight for civil rights. Their arrangement and changed lyrics made “Respect” a rallying cry for girls and women and the voice of an entire movement.
What's particularly important to mention is that Franklin was already active and toured with greats like Martin Luther King Jr. Her version of the song became a signifier for many movement and inspired generations. The recordings she made on February 14, 1967 with her sisters Carolyn and Erma included the iconic phrase “sock it to me,” which became part of the culture of the time.
Experiences of the artists
Ron Williams has had an impressive career spanning over five decades. He has appeared in more than 800 television programs and was awarded a special award from the INTHEGA board in 2024. Darnita Williams brings over 35 years of experience and has worked with artists such as Morgan Freeman and Mariah Carey. She said the challenge and honor of performing Aretha Franklin's songs live was particularly meaningful to her.
In the show “RESPECT – The Aretha Franklin Story” the two artists are accompanied by five singers and a ten-piece band. Black music expert Ron Williams will guide audiences through Aretha Franklin's fascinating life and impressive career in what is sure to be an unforgettable experience.