The Intimate Portrait

By MATTHEW JORDAN SMITH

Step into the mesmerizing world of Aretha Franklin through the lens of her trusted photographer, Matthew Jordan Smith, in the captivating pages of Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits.

"ARETHA COOL" The Standard Edition

Step into the mesmerizing world of Aretha Franklin through the lens of her trusted photographer, Matthew Jordan Smith, in the captivating pages of Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits. This extraordinary book unravels the intimate connection between the Queen of Soul and Smith during her final decade, showcasing iconic photographs that immortalize her legacy. Discover untold stories from their incredible photo sessions and never-before-seen snapshots of this legendary songstress. Aretha Cool is a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable final chapter in the life of Aretha Franklin, a true icon who continues to inspire us all. With a heartfelt Foreword by Aretha’s longtime publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, this book takes you on a mesmerizing journey of the iconic songstress.

Standard Edition:
 – Hard Cover
 – Page count: 256 pages
 – Length 14 in / 35.56cm
 – Width 10.5 in / 26.67cm
 – Height 1.5 in / 3.81cm
 – Weight 3.70 lbs. / 1.67 kg.

Standard Edition:
 – Hard Cover
 – Page count: 256 pages
 – Length 14 in / 35.56cm
 – Width 10.5 in / 26.67cm
 – Height 1.5 in / 3.81cm
 – Weight 3.70 lbs. / 1.67 kg.

Step into the mesmerizing world of Aretha Franklin through the lens of her trusted photographer, Matthew Jordan Smith, in the captivating pages of Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits. This extraordinary book unravels the intimate connection between the Queen of Soul and Smith during her final decade, showcasing iconic photographs that immortalize her legacy. Discover untold stories from their incredible photo sessions and never-before-seen snapshots of this legendary songstress. Aretha Cool is a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable final chapter in the life of Aretha Franklin, a true icon who continues to inspire us all. With a heartfelt Foreword by Aretha’s longtime publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, this book takes you on a mesmerizing journey of the iconic songstress.

"ARETHA COOL" The Limited Edition.
- 100 Copies only -

Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits Limited Edition” is a fine art book that beautifully blends soulful photography and compelling storytelling.

This exclusive collection, limited to only 100 signed and numbered editions of “Aretha Cool,” includes a custom-designed clamshell enclosure, a signed and numbered 8×10 fine art print, offering a unique connection for enthusiasts, and a distinctive foldout print. To further elevate the collection, it is paired with a custom-made USB containing an audio narrative by the author, providing insights into the shared experiences between Aretha Franklin and her esteemed photographer, Matthew Jordan Smith. This collection melds soul-stirring photography with the enduring legacy of Aretha’s influence.

Limited Edition of 100:
Hard Cover encased in Clamshell – 
Page count: 256 pages – 
Length 16 in / 40.64cm – 
Width 12 in / 30.48cm – 
Height 3.5 in / 8.89cm – 
Weight 7.35 lbs / 3.35 kg. – 

Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits Limited Edition” is a fine art book that beautifully blends soulful photography and compelling storytelling.

This exclusive collection, limited to only 100 signed and numbered editions of “Aretha Cool,” includes a custom-designed clamshell enclosure, a signed and numbered 8×10 fine art print, offering a unique connection for enthusiasts, and a distinctive foldout print. To further elevate the collection, it is paired with a custom-made USB containing an audio narrative by the author, providing insights into the shared experiences between Aretha Franklin and her esteemed photographer, Matthew Jordan Smith. This collection melds soul-stirring photography with the enduring legacy of Aretha’s influence.

Limited Edition of 100:
Hard Cover encased in Clamshell – 
Page count: 256 pages – 
Length 16 in / 40.64cm – 
Width 12 in / 30.48cm – 
Height 3.5 in / 8.89cm – 
Weight 7.35 lbs / 3.35 kg. – 

Preview of "Aretha Cool":

Aretha Cool: The intimate portraits. Offers a glimpse into the soulful journey and collaboration between the legendary Aretha Franklin and renowned photographer. Matthew Jordan Smith. From the very first pages, viewers are invited into a world where artistry and emotion intertwine seamlessly.

The opening of the book sets the tone. With a dedication page for Matthew Jordan Smith and the books Foreword by Aretha’s long-time publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, honoring Aretha Franklin’s influence and legacy.

This preview, though just a small segment of the entire book. Is a powerful invitation to readers and fans. It beckons them to explore the deepest layers of Aretha Franklin’s personality and career. As captured through the lens of Matthew Jordan Smith. Each page promises a journey through time, emotion, and artistry, making Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits, not just a book, but a treasure trove of visual storytelling and heartfelt tribute.

This preview, though just a small segment of the entire book. Is a powerful invitation to readers and fans. It beckons them to explore the deepest layers of Aretha Franklin’s personality and career. As captured through the lens of Matthew Jordan Smith. Each page promises a journey through time, emotion, and artistry, making Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits, not just a book, but a treasure trove of visual storytelling and heartfelt tribute.

In the luminous world of contemporary photography, Matthew Jordan Smith has distinguished himself as a craftsman of depth and nuance. His profound ability to narrate the intrinsic stories of his subjects has established him as a visionary in the field, a master of capturing the intricate dance between vulnerability and strength. This expertise shines resplendently in his revered collaboration with the legendary Aretha Franklin, crystallized in the magnificent work, “Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits”.

Smith’s connection with Franklin goes beyond a simple artist-muse dynamic; it is a symphonic relationship that eloquently melds respect and admiration into a tapestry of timeless imagery. Over a prolific career, Smith has cultivated a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the subtleties of light and shadow, elevating his work into a realm that transcends mere aesthetics.

MATTHEW JORDAN SMITH

/ Author

MATTHEW JORDAN SMITH

/ Author

In the luminous world of contemporary photography, Matthew Jordan Smith has distinguished himself as a craftsman of depth and nuance. His profound ability to narrate the intrinsic stories of his subjects has established him as a visionary in the field, a master of capturing the intricate dance between vulnerability and strength. This expertise shines resplendently in his revered collaboration with the legendary Aretha Franklin, crystallized in the magnificent work, “Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits”.

Smith’s connection with Franklin goes beyond a simple artist-muse dynamic; it is a symphonic relationship that eloquently melds respect and admiration into a tapestry of timeless imagery. Over a prolific career, Smith has cultivated a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the subtleties of light and shadow, elevating his work into a realm that transcends mere aesthetics.