One of the day’s most anticipated acts is onstage at this very moment. Wearing a white gown and wrapped in a blue feather boa, Aretha Franklin took the stage to one of the largest crowds of the day. She also has one of the biggest musical ensembles with her, including a handful of backing singers and a large brass section.

Backstage, the Queen of Soul indeed received royal treatment as fans, volunteers, and local luminaries gathered to watch her make her way to the stage. Mayor Willie Herenton was carrying a bag containing the Key to the City — to be presented shortly. Also backstage: Memphis mafia member and television show host George Klein and Coach Cal of the Memphis Tigers. 

Overheard backstage was the Mayor saying he’d like to reclaim her legacy from Detroit where she grew up and recorded. Franklin is a Memphis native.