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Exploring Aretha Franklin’s Unique Style Through Her Official Photographer’s Lens

Jessica Proctor03 mins

Capturing the Legacy of Aretha Franklin

Matthew Jordan Smith’s photography of Aretha Franklin is a remarkable testament to the legendary singer’s life and career. Smith served as her official photographer from 2005 until her passing at the age of 76 due to neuroendocrine cancer in 2018.

Initially, Smith intended to compile this remarkable collection in 2020. However, the pandemic caused unforeseen delays. With perseverance and creativity, he utilized crowdfunding to bring this project to fruition. The outcome is a captivating array of images that truly showcase the essence of Franklin’s artistry.

The Unmatched Presence of Aretha Franklin

“I’ve shot numerous artists and celebrities,” Smith reflects, “but there was nobody like Aretha.” His lens captured not only her musical genius but also the genuine joy and charisma that distinguished her from the rest.

Highlights from the Photography Collection

Here are several captivating images that reflect the vibrancy of Aretha Franklin’s life:

A contact sheet of Franklin and Hugh Jackman backstage at the 2005 Tony Awards. They performed 'Somewhere' from the musical 'West Side Story.'
A contact sheet of Franklin and Hugh Jackman backstage at the 2005 Tony Awards. They performed “Somewhere” from the musical “West Side Story.”
Franklin dances to her song 'Sweet Sweet Baby (Since You've Been Gone)' during a photo shoot in Detroit in April 2014.
Franklin dances to her song “Sweet Sweet Baby (Since You’ve Been Gone)” during a photo shoot in Detroit in April 2014.
Franklin poses during her inaugural photo session with Smith in Detroit in February 2005.
Franklin poses during her inaugural photo session with Smith in Detroit in February 2005.
Details of Franklin's outfits at McDonald's Gospel Fest in New York City in June 2005.
Details of Franklin’s outfits at McDonald’s Gospel Fest in New York City in June 2005.
Franklin performs at Madison Square Garden during McDonald's Gospel Fest in 2005.
Franklin performs at Madison Square Garden during McDonald’s Gospel Fest in 2005.
Franklin reacts to a NYPD officer asking for her autograph while she was being photographed in Times Square in June 2009.
Franklin reacts to a NYPD officer asking for her autograph while she was being photographed in Times Square in June 2009.
Franklin poses in Detroit in February 2005.
Franklin poses in Detroit in February 2005.
Franklin performs at Gospel Fest in June 2005 before performing at the Tony Awards later that evening.
Franklin performs at Gospel Fest in June 2005 before performing at the Tony Awards later that evening.
People wait in line to pay their respects to Franklin at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit in August 2018.
People wait in line to pay their respects to Franklin at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit in August 2018.
An attendee, paying tribute with a hat reading 'RESPECT,' watches Franklin's funeral service in Detroit.
An attendee, paying tribute with a hat reading “RESPECT,” watches Franklin’s funeral service in Detroit.

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