Buzz
Though Aretha Franklin spent the majority of her life in Detroit, the Queen of Soul's origins trace back to Memphis. As reported by City Lab, following Franklin's passing on August 16, there has been renewed interest in preserving her childhood home in South Memphis, with talks of transforming it into a museum akin to Graceland.
In tribute to the iconic artist, fans gathered at her childhood home, where the windows are boarded up and adorned with heartfelt messages such as 'Respect' and 'Our natural woman.' This house is also significant as the place where Franklin's father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, delivered his sermons.
406 Lucy Ave., Memphis, TN 38106. RIP the Queen of Soul ?Ms. Aretha Franklin ✊? pic.twitter.com/k8PQ62GUtp
— Lottery Pick 777 (@_danteswift) August 16, 2018
The wooden house, which has been vacant for years, spans about 1100 sq. feet. Originally set for demolition in 2016, its fate echoed that of Rosa Parks's home in Detroit, which was nearly destroyed but saved by an artist and Parks's niece. That same year, preservation groups stepped in to help save Franklin's home.
'We believe we've found a way to honor Aretha and her father by merging the worlds of gospel and R&B music,' said Jeffrey Higgs, the executive director of an organization working to preserve the house, as reported by City Lab.
Higgs and other community members have grand plans to transform the modest house into a museum dedicated to Franklin. However, they will need approval from her family before proceeding.
