Everyone knows the name Aretha Franklin. The work of this 18-time Grammy winner and recipient of over 100 prestigious awards has had a profound impact on global culture. Her musical legacy goes beyond mere hit songs; she is the Queen of Soul! With her voice and artistry, she fundamentally shaped 20th- and 21st-century popular music, while becoming one of the most important symbols of the civil rights movement and women’s equality. Aretha Franklin’s legacy lives on today: generations of singers—from Whitney Houston to Beyoncé—have looked to her as their primary source of inspiration.

“When Aretha sings, American history comes to life. No one embodies more perfectly the connection between African American spirituality, the blues, R&B, and rock and roll... that process by which so much hardship and sorrow is transformed into a kind of beauty, vitality, and hope,” said Barack Obama.

On this wonderful evening on the Stadthalle stage, a singer worthy of her, Gisele Jackson, pays tribute to Aretha’s extraordinary persona and music.

Gisele Jackson, who grew up in Brooklyn and is originally from Baltimore, toured as “Raylette” alongside Ray Charles, shared the stage on numerous occasions with the incomparable Donna Summer, and performed with James Brown, the godfather of soul. Her songs have reached the top of the Billboard charts. She has performed in more than 30 countries across four continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. A regular performer at award ceremonies and Hollywood premieres, she has sung at events including U.S. President Bill Clinton’s inauguration.

Here’s what the international press has to say about her:

“Gisele Jackson is a DIVA…” - Billboard Magazine

“Jackson’s soaring vocals have cemented her place in the pantheon of great divas. She is the force of nature herself…” - Bay Buzz Music

Today, Gisele works as a cultural ambassador, which allows her to share and interpret her beloved music all over the world – from New York to Norway, Morocco to Malaysia, Barcelona to Beirut.

Giselle listened to Aretha Franklin playing on the Wurlitzer in her father’s bar from a very young age; she jokingly referred to Aretha as her early music teacher, or her “babysitter.” It was not only Aretha’s artistry that had a profound impact on her, but her entire being:
“She is not merely the queen of a musical genre. She inspired people’s souls to be the best they could be… She touched souls during the hardships of the civil rights movement… She comforted souls amidst the daily struggles of Black Americans. Aretha Franklin defined SOUL on many levels, and she spoke to me in a way that had a lifelong impact on me.”

We’ll be treated to a true musical feast and a special evening on November 28 at the Stadthalle, where the meeting of these two wonderful voices and souls will bring us their immortal hits.

Accompanied by a Prima Award-winning Big Band, hits such as “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” “Say A Little Prayer,” “Think,” and “Chain Of Fools” will be performed.

Anyone craving quality music and an uplifting experience shouldn’t miss this one-time, unique opportunity: a celebration of SOUL, Aretha Franklin, and Gisele Jackson!