Aretha Franklin and the Eurythmics

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The Eurythmics once again asked us to direct their music video ‘Sister are doing for themselves’ featuring Aretha Franklin. We were shooting in Detroit, Michigan so Aretha Franklin didn’t have to travel too far from her home. It also meant that I saw another part of America at the time when Detroit was a booming car-making city. The producer told me Miss Franklin was just about to arrive. I told Annie Lennox that I would go and meet Aretha so Annie didn’t have to be interrupted having her make up applied.


Aretha’s car arrived with its number plate Zooming but Aretha wasn’t inside. A long black limousine pulled into the Studio parking lot. The driver ran around the limo and opened the car door. Miss Franklin stepped out of the limousine dressed in a red suede dress and coat. Ermine tails hanging down from the coat. She knew how to make an entrance. I greeted her as though I was meeting the Queen of England after all she is the Queen of Soul.


She was very gracious took my arm and allowed me to escort her onto the floor of the studio. Several members of the crew gave her a warm applause and she in return gave a regal wave of acknowledgement. Her large entourage followed us into her dressing room.

Lunch was served, short ribs and pink lemonade.


After she had eaten I escorted her up onto the stage were Annie Lennox was waiting. After a little small talk they soon started to perform the song. Some glinted on Aretha arm as she sang. During a break I asked her what it was. A thin gold bracelet so delicate and beautiful hung around her wrist. Just as she was called for another take of the song she said, “Smoky gave it to me.”


After the shoot, she thanked me for treating her so well. So I replied to her, “Well, since you are the Queen of Soul how else did you expect royalty is royalty.


Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drGx7JkFSp4

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