RESPECT- The Aretha Franklin Songbook Comes To Edinburgh
By: Natalie O'Donoghue Mar. 11, 2019
RESPECT - The Aretha Franklin Songbook is an amazing live concert that celebrates the late great Queen of Soul!
The show is being launched with three special shows in March 2019 around what would have been Aretha's 77th birthday, before embarking upon a 60-date UK tour starting on the 15th September in Dartford.
23rd March The Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre
24th March The Edinburgh Playhouse
25th March* The Eventim Apollo London (*Aretha's actual birthday)
The show featuring over 24 of Aretha's greatest hits, narrates the Queen of Soul's life story via a series of links and video images.
Also appearing during the three March dates are Glee superstar Amber Riley, R&B Icon Mica Paris, 90's Pop Star Cleo Higgins, Soul Diva JAKI GRAHAM and X-Factor Runner-Up Rebecca Ferguson (London date only), accompanied by the sensational URBAN SOUL ORCHESTRA and the sumptuous voices of the LONDON COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR.
Respect: The Aretha Franklin Songbook is produced by Adrian Grant, creator of the Michael Jackson hit musical: Thriller Live.
Adrian said: "I grew up listening to Aretha's music, and often, if I wish to relax it will be to one of her albums. Aretha is one of the greatest vocalists to ever perform and I had been thinking about producing a show around her music for many years. Now, I have the chance to honour Aretha and her legacy through this show. Fans of all ages will love the musical journey we will take them on which spans over 4 decades of hits from 'Won't Be Long' released in 1960 to 'I Knew You Were Waiting', the number one duet with George Michael in 1987. I'm so excited to be working with the outstanding singers and musicians we have lined up for this show. They will absolutely do Aretha's music justice, and I myself cannot wait to hear them on stage delivering some of the most popular songs of all time!"
Olivier Award winner Amber Riley says:
"I'm really excited to be involved in this project. Aretha Franklin has always been an idol of mine and I've been singing her songs for as long as I can remember! Her songbook includes some incredible tracks, a legacy of musical anthems that will never be matched and a divine talent that makes her a true icon. I can't wait to get started and pay tribute to the one and only Queen of Soul."
Soul legend Jaki Graham says:
"Aretha Franklin had a huge impact on my musical career and was one of my main influences. From my school days of listening to Aretha on vinyl during free periods with my favourite teachers to hearing about her latest activist movements, she was always a force to be reckoned with both vocally and in spirit. Aretha always has been and always will be the true Queen of Soul. There will never be another like her and I'm honoured to be a part of a show that will keep the musical legacy of the irreplaceable Aretha Franklin and her music alive."
The two-hour production will take you on a nostalgic musical journey packed with over 24 of Aretha Franklin's greatest hits including Think, I Say A Little Prayer, Do Right Woman, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Natural Woman, Son Of A Preacher Man, Respect and many more!
Aretha Franklin sadly passed away on the 16th August 2018, but the Queen of Soul's legacy will live on forever through her amazing songbook that contains some of the greatest tracks ever recorded.
The show is proud to support Breast Cancer Care. £1 from the sale of every souvenir tour brochure will be donated Breast Cancer Care.
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