BET DOES RIGHT BY ARETHA FRANKLIN: A star of stars gets another jewel in her crown.
by Ricardo Hazell

Aretha Franklin
(Oct. 24, 2003) She has been called the Queen of Soul, the Diva of Detroit and the greatest singer in the world. Though these names are certainly flattering, they cannot possibly capture the sheer scope of Aretha Franklin’s career, which spans decades.
From Motown to Clive Davis to present, Aretha has performed alongside the music industry’s most accomplished singers, or, as only a true diva can do, filled in for such legends as Luciani Pavoratti.

On Tuesday, October 28, the Black Entertainment Television (BET) network will air "The 9th Annual Walk of Fame honoring Aretha Franklin." The pre-recorded, star-studded affair features a who’s who list of contemporary music artists from Aretha’s past and present, such as Norah Jones, Mary J. Blige, Yolanda Adams, Eddie LeVert, Ronald Isley, Chaka Khan, and Ashford & Simpson.

"Ronny Isley, we started together back in '62 I think it was," said Aretha of the artist currently known as Mr. Biggs. "I met him somewhere performing in Brooklyn, I believe. Eddie LeVert and I started out together as well."

The tribute bares witness to the fact that Aretha Franklin has managed to remain musically relevant from day one. With a new Arista-released CD entitled "So Damn Happy" in stores, reporters asked the diva's diva her take on modern methods of breaking into music.

"You have radio stations in this country that actually make or break an artists," said Franklin. "Out of NY, out of Detroit, Washington and places like that. But certainly the video is all too important in enhancing the sales."

Though visually stimulating special effects and stunts are used on video stations and the like, many music fans still come to expect quality craftsmanship and aural presentation when purchasing a CD, and you know Aretha always delivers.

"On 'So Damn Happy,' we had a number of producers. I, myself, wrote and produced two songs; the title track and one other song called “You Are My Joy” and we also had producers like Burt Bacharach, Troy Taylor, Mary J. Blige, Ron Lawrence and Usher," said the smiling legend.

"I am very, very happy with it. I actually got the chance to record at home this time. The weather in Detroit was so very, very cold [that] you couldn't get out. It affected my voice every time I tried to go out. The temperature was down around 30 degrees. I got a chance to record at home and I met some very nice people who taught me a lot about production. I'm very happy about that."

Among the virtual parade of hit-making producers that worked with Aretha was Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, modern bearers of the soul torch. Franklin told reporters that she knew they meant business when they walked through the door.

"They were super. Really cool guys. I thought they were the Blues Brothers at first, with the black hats and the dark glasses. They were really cool. They're two of the producers whose productions I'm studying. Their productions are so tight."

Though Aretha had help from some of the biggest names in contemporary pop/soul music when crafting her LP, she told reporters that there are other musicians whose music receives constant spins on her CD system.

"I have a lot of favorites. Just the other evening I was listening to Roy Hargrove and he just wore me out. Wynton Marsalis, I like a lot of people. Mainly singers."

One particular singer with whom media and music fans are often comparing Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige. Aretha told EUR and other reporters at the pre-event press conference that she has heard the comparisons, and loves Mary's music, but does not see what the big fuss is all about.

"Enjoy Mary's music very much, but I don't see the similarity. She is the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul and they love her, and I love watching her. But we're two very different artists."

It came straight from the diva's mouth, but we're certain the comparisons will keep resurfacing. In the interim, join millions of viewers who will tune in to see celebrity well-wishers and friends pay homage to soul music's living link between yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Personifying gospel, blues and soul, Aretha Franklin has received 14 Grammy Awards, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The 9th Annual BET Walk of Fame tribute is yet another jewel in her well worn and bedazzling crown.

www.eurweb.com