PHOTOS: Rousing Gospel Tribute to Aretha Franklin held at Kennedy Center

By Mona Austin

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

Neither time nor circumstance will adequately reveal how much Aretha Franklin meant to the church, the world and Black people. In a span of 2 hours on Monday, September 10, The Gospel Music Heritage Foundation came close with a spirit-filled tribute to the late, great Queen of Soul. Hosted by broadcasting legend Bobby Jones, the “Evolution of Gospel Tribute to Aretha Franklin” was held on Sept. 10, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

This year’s Gospel Music Heritage Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award was presented posthumously to Franklin's son Kecalf and grand daughter, Victoria Franklin. Just 10 days before the annual event, it was transformed into a dedication to Franklin. It was a full-circle moment. On that same stage 3 years ago Franklin gave one of her most memorable performances. She sang "Natural Woman" for songwriter Carol King who was being honored at the time. That performance was famously known for nearly bringing Pres. Obama to tears.

All the artists were committed to honoring the best with their best. A rousing performance of "Respect" by Jennifer Holiday was one of he highlights of the show.

Left to Right: Richard Smallwood, Kathy Taylor, Regina Belle, Jennifer Holliday. Photo by Mona Austin

We can all agree that there is something special about Aretha's music, but this event confirmed  there must be some magic in it to cause  Dreamgirl Jennifer Holliday to "shake it."  Confidence took over Holliday's hips and shoulders as she grooved center stage in a shimmery silver minidress during the musical interludes when she delivered a crowd pleasing rendition of   "Respect." It's the only time this writer has heard Holliday sing an upbeat number or dance like no one was watching. The shaking and shimmying were impressive for a woman who usually allows her vocal theatrics to do all the entertaining. That was The Queen's way too. Giving Aretha proper salute, Holliday put her hand on one hip, Aretha's signature move, and did the jerk.

The program also featured soulful musical tributes by Yolanda Adams, Regina Belle, Kathy Taylor, Richard Smallwood, Patrick Lundy and The Ministers of Music, Samantha McElhaney John and Ricky Dillard and Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Choir. Produced by Ernest Walker of Walker Entertainment Group, the unforgettable event was a  resplendent celebration of the legacy of the Queen of Soul, complimented by historic moments from her life and music, including a Grammys highlight reel provided by Neil Portnow , President of the Recording Academy.

As Adams sang "How I Got Over" the spirit rose to the rafters.  Members of the audience praised God outwardly, some sitting, others standing while Adams jumped around and shouted "Yes Lord" repeatedly. Ms. Adams noted that Franklin always left gospel music for the end of her concerts for this reason. Belle opted for a song that was not recorded by Franklin, but was well-received singing Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready." In 2008, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) introduced H.J. Res. 90, established September as Gospel Music Heritage Month nationally. The Franklin salute marked the ninth annual event.  Noted Congresswoman Jackson Lee, Franklin is deserving of multiple tributes and "I don't care how many..." Indeed, Clive Davis announced plans for a tribute event upon the passing of Aretha Franklin. Stay connected to the Slice for details when they become available.