Aretha Franklin took part at President Barack Obama's inauguration belting out "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" wearing a grey custom-designed hat from Mr. Song Millinery.

As she finished her performance, her designer had no idea that his piece of work would create such madness among people. The hat with a Swarovski rhinestone-bordered bow turned out to be a stunning attraction for Aretha’s fans.

 

The family millinery has been in Detroit for about 25 years, of which 20 were spent attending the Queen of Soul’s desires regarding hats. She became a frequent customer of hats for all those high-profile events she is invited to. The store also sells to about 500 boutiques across the country.

 

Luke Song is a 36-year-old designer, an immigrant from South Korea and custom-designed the grey, felt hat for Franklin especially to be worn during her performance. Its design actually came from two other different hats at the store which Aretha herself saw and decided to combine in a single one. The designer agreed but had no idea that people would flock to his store because of it.

 

The hat worn by the "Queen of Soul" would cost upward of $500 if it were for sale, of course. Customers instead were offered a satin ribbon version for $179.

Aretha Louise Franklin was born on the 25^th of March 1942. She became an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Although she is mostly known for her soul recordings, Franklin is also adept at jazz, rock, blues, pop, R&B and gospel. She is widely acclaimed for her passionate vocal style and powerful range. In 2008, the American music magazine “Rolling Stone” ranked the artist as number one on its list of The Greatest Singers of All Times.