Aretha Franklin revisits roots, headlines New York gospel event

Received by Newsfinder from APJun 2, 2005 21:27 Eastern Time * Photo Advisory NY120 By NEKESA MUMBI MOODYAP Music WriterNEW YORK (AP) _ Each year, choirs belt out songs at the McDonald’s Gospelfest to determine which act has the most soulful sound. But competitors might be overshadowed, considering who else is slated to perform: the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. “I’m just delighted to be invited … and to sing gospel full-scale again,” she told The Associated Press this week. “I always sing and listen to gospel anyway. But I had not sung it publicly at full length. That’s what’s going to be so exciting for me.” While Franklin did not compete, she was scheduled to perform at the annual competition Friday, Saturday and Sunday at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Other performers included gospel stars Donnie McClurkin, Vickie Winans and Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston. Franklin’s gospel roots run deep. She was the daughter of famed minister C.L. Franklin and sang with him before her R&B career took off. And one of her most acclaimed works was the 1972 album “Amazing Grace,” which included renditions of religious standards such as “Precious Lord.” Although she is wrapping up an R&B album on her own label, Aretha Records, Franklin said she hopes to record a gospel album in the next year or two. “Any music that is good music I enjoy, but gospel absolutely has its own sacred place within that scope,” she said. But when she does record that gospel album, it will likely have a more traditional flavor than some of today’s gospel music, which mixes hip-hop, rap and dance beats. “Some of it I like,” she said. “Some of the rest I don’t particularly care for. It’s a little too finger-popping, boogying gospel for me.” The McDonald’s Gospelfest competition is more than two decades old, showcasing gospel talent ranging from choirs to dancers. Regional competitions are held in cities nationwide.