Legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin sung her heart out for a sold out crowd at Radio City Music Hall Saturday night. Franklin performed a mix of her greatest hits, covers and a track from her 2011 album release "Aretha: A Woman Falling Out of Love."
The show even included a few surprises like a duet with Bishop Paul Morton and Franklin singing the classic “You’re All I Need To Get By,” while two flat screens on the side flashed a picture of one of the writers, Nick Ashford, who died last summer. Franklin then called out Ashford’s widow and songwriting partner, Valerie Simpson, who stood up in the audience.
During the second half of the concert, Franklin paid tribute to Whitney Houston. She took her place behind the piano in a white and gold caftan and she began playing the melody to “I Will Always Love You.” As she played, Franklin stated this is acknowledging the "homegoing" of "Nippy," which was Houston's nickname.
“She was a very fine young lady” and “one of the best, greatest singers,” Franklin said during the rendition. "God bless you, Nippy," she concluded. "We'll always remember."
The "Queen of Soul” had percussionists, horns, keyboards and singers on stage. They backed Franklin in delivering a powerful mix of gospel and soulful tunes, just further proving why she wears the crown.
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