Filmmaker Tyler Perry will host a special concert tribute for the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.
Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul hails from CBS, the Recording Academy, AEG Ehrlich Ventures and Clive Davis. The live concert will be taped on January 13 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and later broadcast on the network.
The concert will feature songs from Franklin’s legendary repertoire performed by Grammy winning artists as well as Grammy nominees. Among those chosen to perform are Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Alessia Cara, Kelly Clarkson, Common, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Patti LaBelle, BeBe Winans, Brandi Carlile, Chloe X Halle, H.E.R., Janelle Monáe and SZA.
“This special will celebrate Aretha Franklin’s numerous accomplishments as an entertainment icon, singer, songwriter, pianist, actress and civil rights activist,” said Jack Sussman, CBS’ exec VP of specials, music and live events. “Aretha had an incredible effect on humanity and music with her indomitable spirit and grace. We look forward to honoring this music legend with numerous performers who all admire and respect the Queen of Soul.”
“Aretha Franklin’s reign as the ‘Queen of Soul’ is incomparable and undisputed,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “For more than six decades, her extraordinary artistic achievements coupled with her passionate dedication to her philanthropic work—which ranged from children’s and artists’ issues to civil rights activism—served as a testament to her power, majesty, and genius. These gifts positioned her as a true cultural icon, and the Recording Academy is honored to celebrate her inspirational legacy.”
“We’re approaching this show with extremely mixed feelings of sadness and joy, two qualities that over my 37 years of working with Aretha were often present,” said Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of AEG Ehrlich Ventures. “Our hope is that we will be able to share the remarkable musical and cultural accomplishments of the Queen of Soul through her own words and music as well as through the performances of an amazing group of musical artists who will gather to celebrate her amazing musical heritage.”
