Comments on: The Smithsonian Institution Requests Aretha Franklin’s Inaugural Hat

By: Shackelton

Shackelton — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 03:59:32 +0000

Great Post

By: C. RAY

C. RAY — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 03:29:43 +0000

I think all the people that said Aretha’s hat was ugly ect. should be ashamed of themselves. Some things are better left unsaid. It was a proud day for Americans (especially Black Americans). I think Aretha looked great!! Aretha is a middle aged Black Woman–that is the style, and it was a cold day. It was very attractive and it had real rhine stones. If I were Aretha, I would keep it a year and then give it to the Smithsonian.

By: For Ladies By Ladies - The Fate of Aretha Franklin's Hat Hangs in the Balance |

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:55:53 +0000

[...] People magazine reports her saying: [...]

By: Eddiesteen Burno

Eddiesteen Burno — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:44:08 +0000

The hat was fantastic and it should be put in the Smithsonian. Give her a chance to memorize the day she wore it at the most important day of history.

I love Aretha

By: Debbe

Debbe — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:54:52 +0000

To those who say she wasn’t THE ONE sworn in as President…understand who Aretha is, American Royalty…THE QUEEN OF SOUL, USA and it’s only right that we show a little RESPECT of our inaugural history by insuring that her HAT has its place at the Smithsonian.

By: Patricia

Patricia — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:06:01 +0000

Retha, part with the hat. I have to say, as I stood in the cold with the crowd in Washing and you appear’d on the screen in that hat, I thought OMG, but it’s the queen of soul so I should have expected it. I bearly heard you sing as I was stuned by that “Hat”. I didn’t care for the hat that much, thought it was bodacious, but then again, we’re talking about Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Such regal wear should be shared with the American People.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:28:06 +0000

Aretha was wearing that hat. Let the truth be told 11:00 a.m. on Sunday Mornings across the USA on route to a black baptist church; many of black women be sportin a hat in some form or fashion like that. Sisters of the church should know and love that hat. Her voice was great, let someone try and sang in that cold; check with Clive Davis – he knows the “Queen” she was working that voice in the cold.

By: Linda

Linda — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:57:26 +0000

Ab-so-freakin’-lootly! Aretha was workin’ that hat.

By: Edna Robinson

Edna Robinson — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:19:50 +0000

Aretha Franklin’s hat was gorgeous. I think she looked great. I am not sure I understand all the fuss…I got news for all the people who have never set foot in a black(African-American) church on a Sunday. A hat, a really sharp hat, is what “Black Women” of a certain age wears. I think the Smithsonian’s committee, got it right. The “hat” is a symbol of all that was good on that day. So…how about a little “Respect”…”REE REE” (Aretha) is a symbol of “Fine,Black Women” all over America.

Get Ready America for a real “culture shock” for the next 8 yrs of the Obama presidency. Aretha was just keeping it real.

By: anupama

anupama — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:42:31 +0000

fabulous hat – and totally appropriate

By: anupama

anupama — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:39:13 +0000

wonderful hat, tasteful and absolutely appropriate for the occasion…

By: juxx20

juxx20 — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:38:10 +0000

luv here

By: Junebird

Junebird — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 02:48:39 +0000

Be consistent. Other singers, poets and musicians have taken part in past inaugurations. Are any of their clothing, notes or instruments in the Smithsonian? If the answer is yes, then Aretha’s hat has a place. If not, then leave it out.

By: Lee

Lee — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:26:10 +0000

Yes, Aretha, let it go. But, Smithy, pay her for it. Pay big. You’ll make a lot of money off that exhibit.

By: vera harrison

vera harrison — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:08:41 +0000

The stle an color look good on the queen.
She got my vote.

By: M. Clay

M. Clay — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:33:16 +0000

I’d like to see Aretha in the Smithsonian!! Her voice is gone.

By: California Slim

California Slim — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:46:54 +0000

That hat must be destroyed by fire!

By: Inaugural Binky at The Daily Squeaker: Your PackRat News Source

Inaugural Binky at The Daily Squeaker: Your PackRat News Source — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:18:54 +0000

[...] Obama’s Inauguration. The hat has become a viral meme, both online and offline, so much so that the Smithsonian has requested that the Queen donate it to the [...]

By: JDNNYC

JDNNYC — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:59:35 +0000

It isn’t just the story that the Smithsonian wants that tired hat which makes me weep for the state of my country, its also the people here who, for some obsessed reason believe even a singer’s hat is worthy of worshiping and not just Barack Obama.
This gives me further reason to consider relocating to Australia.

How sad America has become.

By: AHP

AHP — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 07:14:42 +0000

I would be a little bit worried that future generations would look at us as having a strange concept for hats…although the 19th century was a bit strange too,as was the 17th century. That hat looked very retro…and a bit cartoonish in my view.
Aretha is a great singer..but I’ve never been a fan of her dress style.