I’m incredibly proud to share some exciting news:
My latest photography book, Aretha Cool, is now officially available at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. As a photographer and storyteller, having my work featured at one of the most iconic institutions in music history — the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum — is both a tremendous honor and a career milestone.
Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
A Personal Tribute to Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul
Aretha Cool is more than just a coffee table photography book. It’s a visual tribute to Aretha Franklin, one of the most powerful and beloved voices in the world of soul music. This book features Aretha’s final official portrait session, offering rare and intimate moments that capture her strength, beauty, and timeless spirit.
Over the years, I had the privilege of working closely with Aretha Franklin. She was bold, brilliant, full of humor, and always in command of her presence — both on and off the stage. Aretha Cool was born from our creative time together — the music we played in the studio, the personal stories she shared, and the trust we built. My goal with this project was to go beyond the public persona and show the woman behind the voice.
Cover and spine of Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits
🎉 Celebrate Aretha Franklin’s Birthday & Women’s History Month
To celebrate Aretha Franklin’s birthday on March 25th and Women’s History Month, Aretha Cool is 20% off this week on Amazon.
This is the perfect opportunity for music lovers, soul music fans, collectors, and history buffs to own a piece of music history. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Aretha or discovering her story for the first time, this book is a heartfelt gift and keepsake.
🛍️ Get your copy on Amazon:
📍 Or pick it up in person at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Gift Shop in Cleveland, Ohio
🎶 A Soundtrack That Brings the Book to Life
To elevate the experience, I created an official Spotify playlist titled Aretha Cool — featuring the exact songs we played during Aretha’s studio photo sessions. As you flip through the pages of the book, the music provides an immersive, emotional backdrop, helping you connect even more deeply with the images.
🎧 Listen to the Spotify playlist here:
Why Aretha Cool Belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a place where music legends are remembered, honored, and celebrated. It represents the pinnacle of influence, innovation, and cultural impact in the music world. Having Aretha Cool included in this historic institution — alongside the legacy of Aretha Franklin, a Hall of Fame inductee and global icon — is incredibly meaningful both personally and historically.
Aretha Franklin made history in 1987 as the first woman ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, shattering barriers and paving the way for generations of women in music. Nearly forty years later, her legacy continues to shape the cultural landscape. The inclusion of Aretha Cool in the Rock Hall’s tribute to her groundbreaking career is a full-circle moment — and a reminder of the Queen of Soul’s unmatched influence.
This milestone aligns with Women’s History Month and comes just ahead of Aretha Franklin’s birthday on March 25, marking a powerful and timely celebration of her life, music, and message.
Unlike traditional biographies or documentaries, Aretha Cool tells her story through photographs — images that speak when words fall short. The book captures the final official photo session of Aretha Franklin, revealing a side of her rarely seen by the public: reflective, regal, soulful, and strong. These images offer an emotional and visual journey for music lovers, soul fans, students of music history, and photography enthusiasts alike.
Aretha Cool has already gained national recognition — featured on CNN, and spotlighted on The View by Whoopi Goldberg, who named it one of her favorite books. Now, it finds a permanent home among the legends at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where Aretha’s voice continues to inspire and uplift future generations.
This isn’t just a photography book. It’s a visual love letter to a legend — and a new chapter in the ongoing celebration of a woman whose voice changed the world.
Aretha Franklin in cool pink leather jacket.
Need a Keynote Speaker?
Matthew Jordan Smith is an award-winning photographer, storyteller, and speaker known for capturing iconic portraits of celebrities, changemakers, and global legends. With over 30 years of experience behind the camera, Matthew brings a powerful perspective on creativity, legacy, and visual storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
He’s worked with the world’s biggest brands, photographed icons like Aretha Franklin, Oprah Winfrey, and Michael Jordan, and has been featured on CNN, The View, and the stages of major industry conferences around the globe.
If you're looking to inspire your audience with a fun, moving, and unforgettable keynote, contact Matthew to speak at your next event, workshop, or company gathering.
👉 Follow Matthew on Instagram & LinkedIn
🎤 Book Matthew for your event: info@matthewjordansmith.com