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Aretha Franklin
In this picture, Annie Leibovitz captured an older Franklin, at home in
Michigan. “The home was very glamorous, befitting of the Queen of
Soul.” Leibovitz explained, “It could almost feel like a home
snapshot except for that she has a…look in her face where you can
sort of tell who she is, she's pretty confident, has a little arrogance,
but doesn't mind feeling sexy.” Raised in Detroit, the Queen of Soul
began her career as a gospel singer in church. Her father, a well-known
preacher, was highly revered for his soulful preaching style, and together
they would travel on preaching tours. At 18, Franklin landed a record deal,
but didn't really explode on the music scene until her album I Never Loved
a Man the Way I Love You, was released in 1967. The record became a symbol
for the civil rights and feminist movements as well as an anthem for the
sexual revolution of the time with the song “Respect.” Seventeen
Grammy's later; Franklin became the first female to be inducted into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Eminem
In the photograph featuring Rakim, Dr. Dre and Eminem, Leibovitz explores
the honesty and controversy surrounding the angry-looking Eminem in a possibly
obvious answer. “The three of them didn't really want to get that
close together…they were nervous about touching each other,”
revealed Leibovitz. “They said that's not hip hop, that's not rap.”
Controversy never ceases to follow Eminem. From his humble beginnings battling
in the Detroit underground scene, to his explosion into mainstream music,
Eminem refuses to back down or apologize for his music. His songs include
references to his alter-ego who violently threatens ex-wife, Kim, declares
a hatred of his mother and speaks of a disdain for homosexuals. Regardless
of numerous public protests, Eminem has a style and lyrical genius that
have earned him a spot among hip hop's greatest.Iggy Pop
A University of Michigan dropout, Iggy instead followed musical inspiration
to create the Stooges, the original punk rock band. Their musical style
was innovative and commonly imitated. Iggy earned a reputation with the
band for his onstage antics that were as astonishing as they were disturbing.
Cutting through his skin with glass or smearing animal meat across his skin
were common occurrences during the shows. As the original “stage diver,”
Iggy's body shows the wear of his stage life. Of this photo Leibovitz said,
“His body is like a roadmap of Rock and Roll. I just felt like I wanted
to photograph him as if he was under a microscope.”The White Stripes
Formed in 1997, The White Stripes' brand of music is a unique sound that
mixes blues, country and rock. Jack White and Meg White form the quirky
duo known for their signature white, red and black color scheme. They have
five albums that have received critical approval, one Grammy and a large
fan following. One of the most interesting things about this mysterious
duo, though, is the very public debate about their personal life. No one
seems to know if they are really brother and sister as they say, or former
husband and wife. Leibovitz' photograph shows the duo in their traditional
color scheme and playfully questions that aura of secrecy that surrounds
them.Patti Smith
A unique face of punk rock, Patti Smith was one of few women to grace the
rock scene in the 1970s. She began her career as a poet performing in churches,
and her friend Lenny Kaye became the background guitarist for her poetry.
In 1974 they formed a band and came out with their first record featuring
the songs “Piss Factory” and “Hey Joe.” Smith moved
to the Detroit area shortly after marrying MC5 guitarist Fred “Sonic”
Smith. Two years after Fred's death, a still mourning Smith was photographed
in her home by Leibovitz. “She had moved the bed in the living room
because she didn't want to go back into their bedroom,” Leibovitz
explained. “She was fragile.”PHOTO: The White Stripes, New York City, 2003. Copyright © 2003 by Annie Leibovitz.
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