Aretha Franklin will always reign as the “Queen of Soul.” Aretha has given us so much in song
and she continues to give to her community. Her generosity deserves to be acknowledged.
For many years, this Detroit native has given back to her community by hosting a
gospel concert without an admission charge. Each year, people start to assemble up to two hours before
the concert to get a seat at this special “Aretha presents …” event. She does not charge anyone for the
musical entertainment or for the delicious soul food she serves. Aretha Franklin has hosted these concerts at Greater Immanuel Institutional Church
and now at her late father’s church, the famous New Bethel Baptist Church. Let it be known, that what is ‘free to the public’, does in fact cost
Ms. Franklin; but she does this out of the goodness of her heart – never asking the community to pay a fee for admission. The church does take a
collection.
Ms. Franklin has featured many gospel recording artists at her concerts including local talent like the Clark Sisters, performing together and as
separate recording artists over the years. Twinkie, Dorinda and Karen each had a turn to present to the audience what their mother, Mattie Moss
Clark instilled in them. The Moss family is a well-known name in the gospel community, as is the Winans family…both local and both showcasing
talent that has spanned three generations. They have been among the performers who blessed the audience during one of the many concerts Aretha
has presented. Aretha has flown in and accommodated many guests over the years. She shows great hospitality to her guests. At her 2014 concert
“Aretha Presents The Gospel Greats,” Ms. Audrey DuBois Harris performed and wowed the audience with her beautiful voice. Detroit’s own
Vanessa Bell-Armstrong and Dorinda Clark Cole sang and testified at this spirit-filled event. The Williams Brothers and The Queen of Gospel, Shirley
Caesar rounded out the night’s entertainment and left us all wanting more.
Some of the gospel greats who have performed at Aretha’s concerts include Slim and the Morning Echoes, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Evangelist Ruby
Terry, Evangelist Esther Smith, Vicki Winans, Paul Porter of the Christianaires, Spencer Taylor of the Highway QC’s, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, The
Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Rev. Donald Parsons of Chicago, Evangelist Dottie Peeples, Evangelist Dorothy Norwood, Bishop Carlton Pearson, as well
as other area bishops and ministers.
Always willing to give her best, at the recent memorial service celebrating her late father who served as pastor of New Bethel for 38 years, Rev. C. L.
Franklin, and her brother, Rev. Cecil Franklin, Aretha entertained the audience, singing some of her well-known gospel recordings. Her son, Eddie
Franklin is also gifted with a beautiful voice. When he took to the stage to sing “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” you could see the pride on Aretha’s face.
Eddie demonstrated that he can really hold the notes.
Now 73, and still able to give God His praise through her beautiful gospel renditions of songs like “Amazing Grace,” “Oh Martha Don’t You Weep,”
“Precious Memories,” “How I Got Over,” and “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” we know that Aretha still reigns in gospel and in soul.
Aretha Franklin has impacted the world. She has performed at the White House on at least two occasions for President Barack Obama in addition to
performing for Presidents Carter and Clinton as well as Vice President Gore’s family.
Most recently Aretha brought many to tears (including President Obama) and received a standing ovation as she sang at the Kennedy Center Honors
in Washington, DC. There are little girls across the globe emulating Aretha singing “R-e-s-p-e-c-t.” How many have auditioned for television talent
searches singing Aretha’s songs?
While no one knows Aretha Franklin better than her family, she is really an Icon to the world. She stands for greatness… for gospel singing…for God’s
talent …for giving back. As the pastor of New Bethel, Robert Smith, said to the crowd during the recent concert, “people don’t know how much
Aretha gives. She gives and she gives. She donates to shelters and helps so many other people.”
Fannie Tyler, who was the personal assistant to Rev. C. L. Franklin for 13 years, now assists Ms. Aretha Franklin. “She is one of the greatest
philanthropists that I know,” offered Ms. Tyler. Ms.Franklin is always giving to help someone or some organization. Ms. Franklin has not forgotten
the great singers who some young people might not recognize today. Aretha recognizes them and includes them in her programs. She has not
forgotten about her hometown of Detroit either. She gives and gives. She gives freely. Aretha has given this community free gospel entertainment
for years. For that, we say “Thank you, Ms. Franklin. We will never forget your generosity.”
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