ARETHA FRANKLIN

Detroit’s Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, was tracked diligently by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for four decades, according to newly declassified documents obtained by Rolling Stone.

Actress and singer talks about her new talk show.

Renowned jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis has died.

The agency surveilled Franklin and those around her to gauge how deeply she was involved in organizations tied to Communism, the civil rights movement and the Black Power movement.

Police are looking for two suspects that are known in the Ford Road and Southfield Freeway neighborhood.

World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres, Jordan’s Queen Rania, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda will help relaunch the Clinton Global Initiative in September.

Motown songwriter-producer Lamont Dozier has died at age 81.

William “Poogie” Hart, a founder of the Grammy-winning trio the Delfonics who helped write and sang a soft lead tenor on such classic “Sound of Philadelphia” ballads as “La-La (Means I Love You)” and “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” has died at age 77.

SAGINAW, MI — Kenny G, one of the best-selling musicians of all time, will perform at the Temple Theatre here this fall. “We’re very excited about this,” said Thor Rasmussen, spokesman for the downtown Saginaw venue. “Kenny G has this legendary status for a lot of people. However, Kenny G enthusiasts can secure tickets now by donating to the annual fundraiser for the Saginaw-based Field Neurosciences Institute. Kenny G’s life story and chart-topping success were the subjects of a 2021 HBO documentary, “Listening to Kenny G.”

The longtime Detroit restaurant has strong ties to Motown and the music scene in Detroit. One such patron was the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, who came into their kitchen one day and tweaked their fried chicken recipe.

Get ready for the ‘Best Blues Fest in the Midwest’ this July

The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre is hiring more than 300 seasonal employees.

The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre has announced its 2022 lineup and a list of positions that need to be filled for the season.

Singer Alise King caught Aretha Franklin's attention while performing on "Live In The D" back in 2017.

Generations of artists paid tribute to the five-decade career of Joni Mitchell, who was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year at a gala two days before the Grammys.

Chaka Khan, Cyndi Lauper and Beck will be among those performing in tribute to Joni Mitchell when she’s honored as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year by the Recording Academy.

The younger Franklin appeared on the latest episode of "American Idol" to audition, but didn't make it to the next round.

15-year old Grace is the daughter of Kecalf Cunningham, Aretha Franklin’s youngest of four sons. “You’re runs are really, really great. “The age and the voice has to all come together on the same path.”THE VOTESBryan voted no with Perry saying yes. He and Perry got into an argument over her as Richie was about to vote no. “I’m sure Aretha wasn’t aretha when she walked into the room, but somebody said yes, I want to work with you.

The 94th Oscar nominations were full of surprises in both satisfying and disappointing ways, but when there are only five nominees in most categories, it’s almost guaranteed that a few favorites will miss the cut.

A Grammy award winning producer who has worked with some of the best artists across the world is looking for talent in Detroit.

Oscar-winning lyricist Marilyn Bergman has died at age 93 after a long career in which she teamed with her husband on songs including “The Way We Were."

A new musical version of the 1993 film comedy ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ has its official Broadway opening

The latest attempt to revive “Ghostbusters” has drawn a sizable audience to movie theaters while the awards darling “King Richard" is struggling.

An exhibit that advances the narrative of Black men through art, photographs and stories is coming to Detroit.

On January 5, 2021, legislation introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Michigan’s 14th District, was signed into law by the President to rename...

Just in time for the haunting month: Detroit cemetery tours.

Rolling Stone has once again compiled a list of the “500 Greatest Songs of all Time,” and taking the top spot is non other than the Queen of Soul’s “Respect.”

Rolling Stone magazine has released an update of its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and we’re not surprised to see that...

A Michigan singer has the best song in the history of music, according to Rolling Stone. The publication just released its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, remaking it for the first time since 2004. To come up with this list, Rolling Stone said it polled more than 250 artists, musicians and producers, as well as figures from the music industry, critics and journalists. The last time Rolling Stone released its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time List 17 years ago, “Respect” came in at number 5 with Bob Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone” topping the list. Stevie Wonder, “Superstition”You can see the entire 500 Greatest Songs of All Time List here.

The Champagne was cold and the front row star studded Sunday night as Tom Ford closed New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center with a spring-summer collection of disco glam.

“Free Guy,” an action comedy starring Ryan Reynolds as a background character in a videogame, opened better than expected over the weekend.

The new Aretha Franklin bio-pic was a labor of love for its filmmaker. Plus, a frank conversation about a parent’s choices in a segregated public-school system.

The federal government has approved millions of dollars in disaster relief for part of central Michigan impacted by flooding last year caused by severe weather and dam failures.

Whether you feel for the troubled singer or start to side with the victims of her "demon" outbursts, there is no denying Hudson’s talent as she transforms from an apprehensive teenager to an overworked diva on the brink of a breakdown.

I have loved Jennifer Hudson’s voice from the first note she sang on American Idol.

“It was an amazing movie and I’m still trying to figure out my emotions from the movie,” said Vivian Pickard. “I cried a little bit. I laughed a little bit.”

Jennifer Hudson, the star of the Aretha Franklin biopic, paid a visit to Metro Detroit.

The Oscar- and Grammy-winning actress received "marching orders" from legendary singer Aretha Franklin, who hand-picked the "Dreamgirls" star for her true dream role - truly a command performance.

The “Queen of Soul’s” handprints are to be unveiled outside the Detroit Historical Society Museum in advance of the release of a new film on Aretha Franklin’s life and career.

Preview: The Academy Award-winning actor talks with "CBS Sunday Morning" about her friendship with the music legend, who handpicked Hudson for the starring role in the new biopic.

In Questlove's documentary “Summer of Soul” a musical flood, too long dammed up, is finally released.

Two New Jersey towns have renamed streets in honor of the Isley Brothers, the legendary R&B group that behind songs including “Shout,” “Twist and Shout” and “It's Your Thing.”.

Online shopping giant Amazon is buying MGM, the movie and TV studio behind James Bond, “Legally Blonde” and “Shark Tank,” with the hopes of filling its video streaming service with more stuff to watch.

Friday, May 21, 2021 | “Pause With Sam Jay” premieres on HBO

Arnold Schwarzenegger chanted with enthusiasm, “We are back.

A new trailer for “RESPECT” was released this week, giving us another taste of the long-anticipated biopic on Aretha Franklin’s life and career starring Jennifer Hudson.

Jennifer Hudson and director Tommy Liesl say their Queen of Soul film was made for the big screen, as they gear up for the Aug. 13 theatrical release.

Jennifer Hudson and director Tommy Liesl say their Queen of Soul film was made for the big screen, as they gear up for the Aug. 13 theatrical release.

The Oscar winner said portraying the Queen of Soul in 'Respect,' opening Aug. 13, sent her back to music school.

One of the world’s most honored musical producers and engineers has died.

Aretha Franklin. It is in celebrating her life that we now get to see her genius come to life in the new series based on her life, “Genius: Aretha” on National Geographic. Rebecca Naomi Jones and Patrice Covington, who play Aretha Franklin’s sisters on the show, Carolyn and Erma Franklin, spoke with Live In The D Host, Jason Carr about the series. In the process of filming, not only did she learn more about Aretha but about Carolyn and Erma as well. The two actresses also shared their favorite Aretha Franklin song, “Until You Come Back to Me.”To see the full interview, watch the video above.

FILE - Actress Cynthia Erivo poses for a portrait during the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto on Sept. 10, 2019. Erivo portrays Aretha Franklin in the National Geographic miniseries Genius: Aretha. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – “The Color Purple” turned into Grammy, Tony and Emmy gold for Cynthia Erivo. The performer’s brilliant performance in the Broadway revival won her the 2016 Tony for best actress in a musical. “I guess I didn’t expect to be this close this soon,” Erivo told The Associated Press of her almost-EGOT status.

click to enlarge National Geographic/Richard DuCreeCynthia Erivo in Genius: Aretha. It stars Cynthia Erivo () as Franklin, and co-stars Courtney B. Vance, Malcolm Barrett, Patrice Covington, Kimberly Hébert Gregory, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Shaian Jordan, Marque Richardson, Pauletta Washington, Steven Norfleet, and Omar J. Dorsey.Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks serves as head writer and an executive producer.Not everyone is excited about the series, however. Franklin's youngest son, Kecalf, has denounced the film , saying that others in Franklin's family do not approve of the project. "If you are a true fan please do not support it!!!" Kecalf wrote on Instagram

First, Mimi talked about her inspiration, Maya Angelou. “I always think about her when I think about powerful women in history.”Next, everyone talked about their favorite women in film. Jason and Mimi both talked about Cicely Tyson, who stayed true to herself by only taking roles in films that highlighted African American women. AdFinally, Tati asked about the women in the music industry that inspire everyone. Mimi picked Aretha Franklin, an icon who’s music transcends audiences, and who has performed at multiple presidential inaugurations.

click to enlarge Screen grab/YouTubeMichigan performers come together virtually to collaborate on an Aretha Franklin cover. When the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, recorded her groundbreaking anthem of equality, empowerment, and solidarity in 1967, women were prohibited from getting a credit card in their name , safely complaining about sexual harassment in the workplace could not legally deny their husband sex , and, if pregnant, could legally be fired from their jobs ... for being pregnant.In the 54 years since Franklin released her rendition and reimagining of “Respect” — originally recorded by Otis Redding several years earlier, which offered a much different and hyper-misogynistic view on the topic of, well,— we've come a long way in terms of women's rights, but the song and its message remain powerful reminders of the work yet to be done. (Equal pay, anyone? )Honoring International Women's Day (which, like, doesn't guarantee women the day off and, instead, tasks them with the emotional labor of celebrating themselves) is the reason for the season for the more than two dozen musicians, performers, and vocalists hailing from Franklin's home state who came together to demand a little “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.”The Grand Rapids-based Michigan Music Alliance organized an ambitious collaboration between 25 female artists, as well as engineers and producers, throughout the state in cooperation with five Michigan recording studios for an electric, saxophone-heavy, and soulful rendition of Franklin's hit classic.Vocalists Serita (aka Black Rose) and Sarena Rae teamed up to tackle Franklin's larger than life vocal performance, with a former Franklin collaborator Gayelynn McKinney on drums, as well as performances by Christina Nielsen (Jack & the Bear), Josi Ala, Ingrid Racine, Zoe Cutler, Sami Blosser, BethAnne Kunert, Kaleigh Wilder, Emily Burns, Alice Sun, and others.The track was released Monday with a video composed of each individual artist's behind-the-scenes recording experience, and the making of will be the subject of an upcoming episode of thepodcast, which will also look at “the musical legacies that are being created by women of Michigan.”You can watch the Michigan Music Alliance's “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” performance below.

March is Women’s History Month and all month long Live in the D will be featuring women making an impact in their fields. Today’s “Boss Lady” is in the music industry and has already seen her name in lights with a Grammy award under her belt. Antea “A Plus” Birchett is a Detroit native who writes songs for many stars you may know like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Mary Mary, Mary J. Blige, Justin Bieber, and more. She is also currently providing vocal coaching lessons for the National Geographic Genius “Aretha” series stars and vocalists. Watch the video to learn more about this Boss Lady and how she’s impacting the D.

The former Trump Plaza casino was imploded after falling into such disrepair that chunks of the building began peeling off and crashing to the ground. “I got chills,” Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small said. AdOpened in 1984, when Trump was a real estate developer in his pre-politics days, Trump Plaza was for a time the most successful casino in Atlantic City. AdBut things began to sour for Trump Plaza when Donald Trump opened the nearby Trump Taj Mahal in 1990, with crushing debt loads that led the company to pour most of its resources — and cash — into the shiny new hotel and casino. Trump Plaza was the last of four Atlantic City casinos to close in 2014, victims of an oversaturated casino market both in the New Jersey city and in the larger northeast.

(Random House Books for Young Readers/Roaring Brook Press/Nancy Paulsen Books via AP)NEW YORK – Illustrator Michaela Goade became the first Native American to win the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal for best children's picture story, cited for “We Are Water Protectors," a celebration of nature and condemnation of the “black snake” Dakota Access Pipeline. "I am really honored and proud," the 30-year-old Goade told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. The Newbery medal was established in 1922, the Caldecott in 1937. Goade, whose other books include “Encounter,” is the first Native American to win in either category. The Stonewall Book Award for best LGBT literature was given to Archaa Shrivastav for “We Are Little Feminists: Families."

One of the most iconic moments in recent Inauguration history comes from Detroit’s own -- Aretha Franklin. In 2009, the the first Inauguration of President Barack Obama, the “Queen of Soul” stole the show with her jaw-dropping performance of “My country ‘tis of thee.” And don’t forget her legendary hat. Relive the moment below:

Lady Gaga sings the national anthem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. And country star Garth Brooks, doffing his black cowboy hat, sang a soulful a capella rendition of “Amazing Grace,” his eyes closed for much of the song. While stars mostly eschewed Trump's inauguration four years ago, the A-list was back for Biden. Brooks was careful to call his decision to perform on Wednesday non-political, and in the spirit of unity. Alone with his guitar, The Boss sang his “Land of Hope and Dreams” in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

He added that Biden in many ways is ”the perfect president for the moment, because he is not hyperbolic, he’s not a bomb thrower, he’s surrounded himself with policy wonks who already have all these plans. I think what we are going to hear him talk about is ‘Here’s where we are, here’s what we have to get done.' I think that’s going to go a long way just to making people feel better." His speechwriting team is led by longtime Biden collaborator Vinay Reddy. “There really is no parallel to what Biden faces.”___Associated Press writer Alexandra Jaffe contributed reporting.

A view of the Charles H. Wright Museum for African American History in Detroit during a public visitation for Aretha Franklin on Aug. 28, 2018. (WDIV)DETROIT – Saturday is the first day of Kwanzaa -- a seven day holiday meant to honor the ancestral roots of African Americans. To celebrate, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will present the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The museum will stream songs, dances, stories, poetry and more every night at 7 p.m. through Jan. 1. The presentations will be live streamed on the museum’s official website here.

With holiday songs playing in the background everywhere you turn this season, have you ever wondered which Michigan artists have recorded Christmas songs? We created the Ultimate Michigan Holiday Playlist on Spotify. If I missed any of your favorite Michigan artists, email me the Christmas song, and the link. Email: gonzo@mlive.comUPDATE: A reader on Twitter recommended we add “Caroling, Caroling” by Nat King Cole. Holiday Songs by Michigan ArtistsNat King Cole - “Caroling, Caroling (Christmas Bells Are Ringing)” (Wihla Hutson / Alfred Burt)13th annual Ebird & Friends (Virtual) Holiday ShowSee the full program here.

The National Women's Hall of Fame was founded in 1969 in Seneca Falls, the site of the first women’s rights convention. She won 18 Grammy awards and, in 1987, became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was 75 years old when she became the first Black woman to set foot on the North Pole, and stood on the South Pole five years later. Born during the Civil War, Terrell was a dedicated suffragist whose civil rights activism continued up until her death in 1954 at the age of 90. Terrell was the first Black woman in the United States appointed to the school board of a major city, the District of Columbia.

“He was very, very proud to have acquired the Guelph Treasure, and then was forced to sell it to the Nazis,” she told him. It's a pursuit that has now landed him at the Supreme Court, in a case to be argued Monday. Germany and the foundation asked the trial-level court to dismiss the suit, but the court declined. “Our view is that Germany is the proper jurisdiction for a case which involves a sale of a collection of medieval German art by German art dealers to a German state,” Parzinger said. The suit's claim that the Guelph Treasure was sold under Nazi pressure was also diligently investigated in Germany, he said.

Against that backdrop, many House Democrats have for years impatiently insisted it's time for fresh leadership. To become speaker again, Pelosi will need more votes than House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who’s likely to garner nearly unanimous GOP support. Though she's likely to succeed, it won’t be simple because when Pelosi was elected speaker in January 2019, 15 Democrats opposed her. Pelosi came to Congress in 1987 and has led House Democrats, both as the minority and majority party, ever since 2003. Pelosi has won wide acclaim among Democrats as a leading Trump foe in battles over impeachment, immigration and health care.

1 hit on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, Drake has bested a record previously held by icons Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Drake's “Laugh Now Cry Later," featuring rapper Lil Durk, reached the No. Wonder and Franklin, who died in 2018, each have had 20 songs top the chart. 1 hits on the R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, 12 include him in the leading role, including “God’s Plan,” “In My Feelings,” “Hotline Bling,” “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and “Best I Ever Had,” his first major hit released in 2009. Earlier this year, 34-year-old Drake made Billboard chart history when he set a new record for most songs on the Hot 100 chart — Billboard's main songs chart that includes all music genres.

Heres a collection curated by The Associated Press entertainment journalists of whats arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. The film from director Mamouna Doucour is a thoughtful and poignant coming-of-age drama about Amy, an 11-year-old Senegalese immigrant living in Paris. Dont judge Cuties by its cover and give it a chance when it starts streaming Wednesday. Answer: Jeopardy! The quiz show with Alex Trebek at the helm of a COVID-19-conscious season hits screens Monday. Celebrity guest hosts are all the rage these days on late night TV but a documentary airing Thursday sheds light on one who really made history.

DETROIT – A stretch of the Lodge Freeway has been renamed in honor of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, two years after her death. M-10 between I-94 and Livernois Avenue is now the Aretha Franklin Memorial Highway. READ: Aretha Franklin’s niece discusses new trailer for movie profiling her aunt’s lifeRep. Leslie Love has been working for two years to make it happen, and thanks to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Love’s mission is complete. Watch the video above for the full report

PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) A Detroit lawyer who said he knew Aretha Franklin and idolized her was appointed as interim manager of her estate Tuesday, a step that could ease tensions among the late singers sons. Reginald Turner of the Clark Hill firm was picked to succeed Owens as temporary personal representative or executor. Owens, an administrator at the University of Michigan, became personal representative with the approval of the Queen of Souls sons. The latest document from 2014 indicates that Franklin wanted son Kecalf Franklin to run her estate. Kecalf Franklins attorneys accused her of mismanaging assets.

click to enlarge Courtesy of Irwin House GalleryJohn Sims. Last year, Detroits Irwin House Global Art Center & Gallery opened its doors earlier than originally planned following the death of Aretha Franklin, who grew up nearby, in order to mount an exhibition dedicated to her life . Artist John Sims, a curator for that first show, is wrapping up a stint as the gallerys first artist-in-residence, which is also inspired by the neighborhood he grew up in in this case, Sims west side neighborhood at Sorrento Avenue and West Chicago Street.The three-part multimedia project, which is described as Sims deeply personal response to the decay and desolation of his home street, includes a visually enhanced VideoPoem (the poem is included in M.L. Lieblers Respect, also featured in this weeks issue ), a print installation that mimics the experience of walking down the block, and a book.

click to enlarge Linda SolomonRon Wood of the Rolling Stones with Aretha Frankin. Award-winning photojournalist Linda Solomon first encountered Aretha Franklin in 1983 while on assignment for her celebrity column in. Franklin agreed. Solomons photos reveal intimate moments during benefit concerts and award shows, backstage at concerts, rehearsals, family gatherings, and lavish parties, and quiet moments like Franklin escaping the lavish party to listen to her Sade records in her bedroom. Solomon will share stories behind the photos featured inand what it was like documenting a legend.

DETROIT (AP) Regardless of her reputation as a performer, Aretha Franklin s cancer doctors say she was no diva as a patient. Franklins kind is exceedingly rare: Neuroendocrine cancers comprise about 7% of cancers originating in the pancreas, according to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation . Shah said she first saw Franklin after her 2010 diagnosis, surgery and treatment at Detroits Karmanos Cancer Center. She did not have that feeling that cancer was the main center of her life, Shah said. For us, it was such an inspiring journey of several years with her.In tribute to Franklin, Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation CEO Elyse Gellerman has created the Aretha Franklin Fund for Neuroendocrine Cancer Research, with the blessing of the family.

click to enlarge ShutterstockMichigan congresswoman Brenda Lawrence presented a bill on Friday to rename a Detroit post office after the late Aretha Franklin. The post office is located at 12711 E. Jefferson Ave., and it's official name would become the Aretha Franklin Post Office Building.It's my pleasure to honor this mega talent and my good friend Aretha Franklin in this manner, Lawrence said in a press release. After renaming Chene Park to the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater, I felt additional accolades were necessary on the federal level to extend her legacy. She began singing in the church choir at Detroits New Bethel Baptist Church, where her father the Reverend C.L. Once again thank you to the beautiful 'Queen of Soul,'" Lawrence said, according to the press release.

click to enlarge JStone / ShutterstockThe Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre is hosting a tribute concert to mark the one-year anniversary of the Queen of Souls death. The Aug. 16 show will celebrate the life, legacy, and career of Aretha Franklin, and will focus on classical, R&B, and gospel the musical genres Franklin performed. There will also be performances by the Aretha Tribute Choir, a combined orchestra from the Detroit Public Schools Community District, and Arethas touring band and backup singers. A portion of the proceeds will fund the Aretha Franklin Endowed Scholarship and the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation, a nonprofit that works to find cures for carcinoid cancer, pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer, and other related cancers. For more information, visit: www.ClassicalGoesToChurch.comGet our top picks for the best events in Detroit every Thursday morning.

click to enlarge Steve NeavlingA stretch of the Lodge freeway in Detroit is being designated as the Aretha Franklin Memorial Highway.The announcement came Monday after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a House bill introduced by Rep. Leslie Love, D-Detroit.Im honored to be able to dedicate a portion of the M-10 freeway to remember Aretha and all she did for our state, Whitmer said in a statement. Aretha Franklin was an American icon. She began her career here in the heart of Detroit. Sign up for our weekly issue newsletter delivered each Wednesday.

President Obama paid homage to a few of the country's treasured talents Sunday night, including George Lucas and Carole King. Scott Pelley reports on 2015's class of honorees at the Kennedy Center Honors.