Previously, an iron rule of Aretha Franklin: she could sing anything slower and better than anyone else.
Update, a contender has entered the ring: Carole King performs “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman” pretty dang slowly. Which she wrote!
So I have to relax the iron rule here. That’s okay, I have another one.
New iron rule of Aretha Franklin: no one made ‘em sweat like Aretha. In part, because Aretha contractually insisted every room she played have the air conditioning turned off to protect her vocal cords.
About a VH-1 Divas television performance:
As producers laid out the run of show and began rehearsals at the Beacon Theater an electrician called in to work on the air conditioning accidentally flipped a switch and cold air began blowing down on the stage. Now, it was widely known at the time that Ms. Franklin had a clause in her contract that there was to be no AC during her performances and rehearsals as the cold air agitated her vocal chords and prevented her from giving her best performance. It wasn’t a matter of being high-maintenance; it was her professional commitment to giving her audience her best.
Next time you’re watching a live performance, look at how much Aretha, and everyone else in the room, is sweating. It’s not just the stage lights. She’s the queen for a reason!