She was one of the very great ones. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she grew up in Detroit, the industrial capital of the United States. So these geographical coordinates alone measure the life of the "Queen of Soul". Deeply rooted in gospel, she became an icon of black music; her song "Respect" makes her one of the great fighters of the liberation and social movements.

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“Since jazz is one of the most intriguing languages out there, it’s natural to want to combine it with texts and poetry.”

In its new series of jazz events in the Tischlerei the Big Band of the Deutsche Oper Berlin presents five themed concerts featuring smaller formations of the Big Band and guests. The concerts focus on a particular subject or composer, amalgamating music and poetry. Texts, biographical information, poetry and background information on the evening’s unifying theme combine to produce a unique experience for the audience.