Aretta Woodruff - A Tribute To Denise Lasalle (2023)

Raised in the dirt-road town of Wellington, Alabama, Aretta Woodruff found her voice in the Hopewell Baptist church choir at five years old and has not stopped singing since. A force to be reckoned with, she brings her indefatigable spirit and powerhouse vocals to every performance. Aretta's talent and commitment to her art have propelled her into fame within the Birmingham Blues and R&B music scene. Aretta opened for The Queen of the Blues, Denise LaSalle on so many occasions that the two became close family friends. Acting as a mentor, Denise would often praise Aretta with girl you sing my stuff better than I do! Upon Denise's passing in 2018 her family gave Aretta their blessing, asking that she carry on Denise's music. Aretta chose to cover Denise's incredible early years, starting with the very first record of young Denise LaSalle's career titled Love Reputation. Aretta adapted the classic song to Blues Reputation in tribute to her mentor. A fitting opener to a set of 70s funk, soul, blues and R&B masterpieces. These songs are a truly personal love letter to Denise's family, in honor of The Queen.