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In 2011, Rolling Stone listed Aretha Franklin as the No. 1 Greatest Singer of All Time, an honor that was long overdue in the eyes of her fans. Since she first hit the scene more than 40 years ago, she has been considered a legend and the living embodiment of soul music. Franklin’s musical and performance style combines a belty, powerhouse, mezzo-soprano sound with a charismatic, almost evangelistic interpretive style reminiscent of James Brown. In fact, she and Brown arguably created this deeply soul-stirring style, which is considered the essential signature sound of R&B. This, combined with an uncanny ability to find songs that suit her voice to perfection, has made her one of those unforgettable, once-in-a-generation singers.
Franklin’s soul and gospel roots came from a childhood spent singing in her father’s church. By the time she was 18, she was singing for Columbia Records, but it wasn’t until seven years later in 1967, that she hit the charts with “Respect,” “Natural Woman” and “Think.” By the 1960s, she was being dubbed “The Queen of Soul” and throughout the next four decades, Franklin stayed at the top of the profession, with scores of No. 1 singles and a veritable cabinet full of Grammy Awards. In 2012, Legacy Recordings celebrated Franklin’s 70th birthday with “Knew You Were Waiting: The Best of Aretha Franklin 1980-1998.” The album featured 15 of her mega-hits, including duets with Annie Lennox, Elton John, Whitney Houston and others. In recent years, Franklin has had to curtail her tour dates due to health problems. Ticket holders fortunate enough to have seen her in concert say that it’s one of the all-time great musical experiences, so it’s a safe bet that once she gets back to the performing arena, she’ll be singing once again to sold out crowds.
Waited almost a year for this concert. Two cancelations to hear the band, guest performance and speeches take center stage. 19 GRAMMYS I would like to have hear a good portion of them sang by the "Queen".
Aretha is a beautiful and talented soul! I'm so blessed to have been able to see & hear her talents with my daughter and cousin. I will never forget the experience, she is a true talent and the TRUE Queen of Soul, through and through! I'm amazed at her humbleness, her energy and the notes that she hits. What an amazing performance!
Show was good and she took you way back performing most of her old hits. She has a beautiful voice. Sorry the acoustics at the Chicago Theater were not that great. Sometimes, I felt she sounded muffled, hard to hear and understand, however, when you could hear her, she was fabulous. Wish she would have performed "Wonderful," Who's Zoomin' Who," and "Mary Don't You Weep," as one of her gospel songs.
Absolutely entertaining - Aretha's voice is impeccable all while give sass. Her singing started in church and you better believe that she surely took the crowd to church. Oh wow, was that awesome. I am so blessed to have personally witness Aretha in concert and this is one of my more memorable concerts/artist.
I purchased these tickets as a gift to my aunt how had not seen Aretha since 1970. It was a birthday gift and she had a blast.
The Chicago Theater is a great venue! Aretha was a disappointment. The show was to begin at 8pm but I heard from the ushers that she slipped in a comedian to start the first 20-25 minutes. He was average and boring. Aretha came out and sang for 25 minutes then introduced "some friends" from Ms.(not on the billing). They sang gosple-blues-rock for 25-30 min then she came back on. She was apparently promoting her new DIVA cd where she sings hits of other female artists. For the show, she only sing 3 of her own hits. For the encore (as we were leaving) she sang "What you want" which would have made 4 of her songs if I was still there. Sad
It was wonderful to get to see Aretha in person! I grew up from young childhood with her music and seeing her perform some of the great songs in her repertoire live was very emotional. She has kept her voice in amazing shape and she is a fine piano player which I did not know.
She hasn't changed a bit. Glad I could see this legend live before she retires. Told great stories, sang beautiful songs, danced, shredded on the piano, and gave us an encore. long live the queen
Aretha is the queen! Her voice is amazing.... she sang, stepped and played piano for almost 2 hours! What an honor to be at her birthday celebration along with Clive Davis. Truly a performance always to be remembered.
a pleasure to watch. knowing she was coming off an illness , wish she played her slower soul full songs as opposed to any quick numbers. when she was at the piano, sitting down and taking her time she was brilliant.
I.JUST HAD TOO SEE THE QUEEN OF SOUL FOR HER LAST TOUR I WASN'T DISAPPOINTED.
Miss Aretha Franklin is wonderful. Her voice is in excellent shape, strong and solid. I have always been a fan of her music from the 60's till now and she never disappoints. I'm hoping she will do a gospel concert again like Amazing Grace. I grew up listening to that album every Sunday before going to Church. I will be looking for other concerts to hear her live again soon. Great show.
Aretha showed the public that although a senior and fighting a cold, she can still belt out a song and play jazz piano. I heard she was retiring and that's why I had attend this concert. She is in a class by herself.
Not only can Aretha sing Aretha, but she can pull off Adele too!
Aretha Franklin still has the chops to take her audience into one of the finest musical experiences ever. Her styling is superb, piano playing is magnanimous, and with her glorious backup singers and 20 piece band, she delivers. Don't miss seeing her, our great American musical icon!
Aretha was better today than I ever heard her before -...amazing show I felt blessed to be able to see her today at age 75
Aretha show was incredible, being able to see an icon like her and hers her sing was unforgettable. Grew up listening to her music and brought back so many memories for me. During the show she spoke of the history behind her writing or singing a particular song. Made this event a heart felt show and truly spoke to how and where she came from. Such a beautiful woman I was enchanted by her songs and beauty. 54 years in the industry and I was honored to be there and enjoy her. Thank you Aretha for so many songs over the years and thank you for soul and grace you bring in our hearts.
Saw royalty..what an honor to see Miss Aretha..she still has the pipes!
The show was just ok. She took several breaks for a one hour show.
My favorite venue for great sound. That's key for a great concert, especially in a tent. If promoters are reading this, I would like to see Tower of Power, Earth Wind and Fire, and the Isley brothers here next.
