Aretha Franklin remembered fondly by Trenton’s music ambassador
Author Frank Scheck penned a heartwarming article for Billboard Magazine about a March 2017 event that honored Aretha Franklin.
“The Queen of Soul wasn’t in attendance, but Aretha Franklin would have certainly been thrilled by the musical tribute paid her at Carnegie Hall on Monday night (March 6). Featuring a roster of estimable musicians performing songs recorded by the 74-year-old singer, who has recently announced her upcoming retirement, The Music of Aretha Franklin shook the rafters of the venerable auditorium,” Scheck offered.
Scheck added, “Sarah Dash, clad in a purple sequin dress and bright blue fur coat, unleashed her still formidable lung power on “Dr. Feelgood (Love is a Serious Business”).”
Scheck had no way of knowing but that night Sarah Dash made every attempt to attract the spirit of Aretha Franklin into her own body. A photo that accompanied the article captured Dash lost, consumed and unaware of crowds or faces.
“I was gone, in the moon or maybe over it. I remember wearing an outfit that Aretha would have worn. I actually did an Aretha and took that fur coat off. And dropped it like she would,” Dash, a Trenton resident and former member of LaBelle, said.
“I was really into what I was doing for Aretha. Not too long before being asked to participate in the concert that honored her, I had been at her birthday party. So, that night, I was really Aretha-ized, if you can understand that concept. I did Dr. Feelgood and I wanted that song to be perfect that evening. My keyboard player and I rehearsed that song for about three weeks, twice a week, to make sure that I knew every note, every nuance, every lyric.” Soul singer Aretha Franklin appears at a news conference.
Dash laughed and leaned on that wonderful memory although stepping back in time to that regal evening meant she had to eventually travel the distance back to yesterday when news came of Franklin’s passing.
Sweet memories delivered breaths that trapped in Dash’s vocal cords. Limp air preceded a sigh ahead of tears.
“I know that Aretha’s contribution to the music industry was very important for someone like me. To know that we both came out of the church, like a lot of women in our music, is a blessing,” Dash explained.
“Aretha is and will always be our reigning queen for the music industry. She had the ability to sing secular music and then turn around and knock you down and out with spiritual.”
Dash recalled a Franklin birthday party at the Ritz-Carlton in New York City.
“I remember we took a photo and Aretha put her hand on my shoulder. Just the slightest of touch delivered an incredible feeling. I can’t put my finger on exactly what I felt but it was such a special moment,” Dash explained.
“Aretha gave so much to this industry. It’s very hard when you’re a female and trying to make it in this business. Aretha gave us all that she had, she put it out there for all to see and hear.”
“I remember Aretha sang this song called “Never Grow Old”. (Pause) But we do. We may not know the time but we know that we’re not here forever. I feel blessed to have shared time with her and held wonderful conversations with her about music, life, shoes and shopping.”
“It’s wonderful to be part of this music sisterhood, especially after surviving the early days of success and youth. You see things differently once you’re down the road. It’s amazing to think I’ve worked with such wonderful women like Aretha, Patti (LaBelle) and so many others. You know, I had hoped that Aretha would pull through this latest challenge.”
“The Queen of Soul has left us but her talent and gift for music and life will last long after we’ve all left this place. It’s time to say goodbye.”
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist.