aretha-franklin Archives

Classical music is just as relevant and important as pop music (or, “How to Listen to Great Music” proves that Mozart is as cool as Lady GaGa)

What’s that old adage? “When you assume, you make an ass out of you and me.” Yeah, well in this case, my assumption didn’t hurt anyone. In hindsight, it was a tad lazy – and perhaps made an ass outta me – but certainly not harmful in any way. Here’s the thing: I got an email from ZME’s esteemed editor and founder Tibi asking me if I’d have any interest in reviewing a book called…

Aretha Franklin sings ‘Duets’

There is no way you can go and sing against Aretha Franklin. Going against the undisputed Queen of Soul would be suicide. Mister T would pity you. But since you can not defeat her it would good to join her. Franklin demonstrates her ability to belt it out with the best of them on “Jewels in the Crown,” a collection of 16 mostly old duets with such artists as Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston and…