Richmond Jazz Society celebrated the Jazz roots of the iconic Ms. Aretha Franklin in 2019 with 2 sold-out shows featuring Ms. Desiree Roots. We are bringing this exciting event back, by popular demand!

Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul” was twice named as the “greatest singer of all time” by Rolling Stone Magazine. In the early 1960’s Ms. Franklin moved to New York City in search of a brand-new personae through secular music. She played in clubs and theaters opening for Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Horace Silver and Miles Davis. In 1962 she sang with Duke Ellington at the Newport Jazz Festival.

Jazz critics, musicians and fans quickly took notice and spoke Aretha’s name with such divas as Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan. She appeared on national TV shows and recorded Jazz standards and originals with some of the leading Jazz artists of the day. When Errol Garner heard her playing his tune “Misty” he was overheard saying, “Damn, she’s playing that song like it belongs to HER!”

Many people only found out about the breadth of Ms. Aretha Franklin’s talents after her death. We’re making sure to add Jazz to that list.

Vocalist Desiree Roots continues to be one of this region’s favorite performers with her “triple-threat” talent of acting, singing and dancing. She is revered for her powerful yet controlled, lush voice with its 3½ octave range. Her ability to sing nearly every genre including Jazz, Gospel, Opera and popular music has made her one of the region’s most sought-after artists.

She has performed throughout the East Coast with orchestras, Jazz bands and, as leader of her own ensembles, often to standing room only audiences. She has shared the stage with Grammy Award winning guitarists, Buddy Guy and BB King; saxophonists Gerald Albright and Boney James; and was a featured vocalist with The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Desiree also wrote and starred in her own stage productions, “Ella at 100” and “Forever Ella” multi-media tributes to Ella Fitzgerald that featured acclaimed actors and a big-band of some of the most talented musicians in the region.

The Jazz Side of Aretha Franklin will feature Desiree Roots accompanied by piano virtuoso Dr. Weldon Hill with some of VA’s finest Jazz musicians and special guests.

Richmond Jazz Society, Inc. is a non-profit/501(c)3 organization dedicated to the education, preservation and advancement of Jazz as an American art form. RJS is celebrating 46 years as Virginia’s Jazz Service Organization. Visit us at www.vajazz.org for more information about our programs throughout the community.

With only 107 seats, shows at Révéler are intimate and immersive. A romantic venue with exquisite sound and dreamy vibes, Révéler offers a unique selection of cocktails, wines, beers, bubbles, and non-alcoholic beverages. Our kitchen delivers small plates crafted with care.

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