Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Grammy salutes Franklin in CBS special
Aretha Franklin’s towering legacy will be honored in “Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul,” a special to air on CBS.
The concert will tape Jan. 13 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. CBS said the program will air in 2019.
Tyler Perry will host a lineup of stellar talents.
The list includes Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Alessia Cara, Kelly Clarkson, Common, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Patti LaBelle and BeBe Winans.
Current Grammy nominees Brandi Carlile, Chloe X Halle, H.E.R., Janelle Monáe and SZA will take part.
Franklin, one of the best-loved singers in the country, died in August of pancreatic cancer. She was 76.
“This special will celebrate Aretha Franklin’s numerous accomplishments as an entertainment icon, singer, songwriter, pianist, actress and civil rights activist,” said Jack Sussman, executive vice president for specials at CBS Entertainment.
“Aretha had an incredible effect on humanity and music with her indomitable spirit and grace,” Sussman added. “We look forward to honoring this music legend with numerous performers who all admire and respect the Queen of Soul.”
Record producer Clive Davis is an executive producer on the program. “I am thrilled to have the Recording Academy and CBS as partners in this global tribute to my very dear friend Aretha Franklin,” he said. “Aretha was more than the Queen of Soul. She was a national treasure. This unique concert — featuring many of today’s greatest artists — will celebrate Aretha in a spectacular manner befitting her once-in-alifetime talent.”
The special comes from the Recording Academy (which presents the Grammys), AEG Ehrlich Ventures and CBS. They combined forces on the specials “Sinatra 100 — An All-Star Grammy Concert,” “Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life — An All-Star Grammy Salute” and “The Beatles: The Night That Changed America — A Grammy Salute.”