Parade of performers hits all the right notes
AN impressive parade of music stars — from country and pop to R&B and gospel — socked it to us with their soul as they paid respect Friday to Aretha Franklin. Here are five praiseworthy performances for the Queen of Soul at Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple.
Chaka Khan, “Going Up Yonder”
Khan — one of the few soul singers who, at the peak of their powers, could be mentioned in the same breath with Franklin — brought some secular sass to the beginning of this gospel classic. But then, as if she caught the holy spirit, Khan unleashed the righteous, force-of-nature wailing that did Aretha proud.
Audrey DuBois Harris, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
This soprano, who had previously sung for both Franklin and President Barack Obama, blurred the lines between classical and gospel with a riveting, octave-leaping rendition of this hymn that raised the steeple off of the church. Her dramatic grandeur would have played just as well at the Met.
The Clark Sisters, “Is My Living in Vain?”
These gospel greats had a real connection to Franklin: Also hailing from Detroit, they once sang with her at the Grammys, and Franklin sang at their mother’s funeral. So it was only fitting that the Clark Sisters returned the love. Singing “Is My Living in Vain?” they answered the titular question with a resounding, “No, of course not!” It was an appropriate sentiment for such a homegoing service. And the Clark Sisters brought it all home with an a cappella flourish featuring some glorious, Aretha-inspired runs.
Fantasia, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand/You’ve Got a Friend”
The 2004 “American Idol” winner, who went on to have her own Grammywinning recording career, took off her shoes to start this medley (which Franklin also did on her “Amazing Grace” album). That usually means serious business for a soul singer. And it most definitely did for Fantasia, who was all raw, raspy-voice passion.
Jennifer Hudson, “Amazing Grace”
Hudson was a natural — handpicked as she was by Franklin to play her in an upcoming biopic. Not only was her performance technically assured, but through it she poured all the emotion we felt in saying goodbye to Aretha.