Aretha (and Her Bow) Barack the Inauguration

Really, it's only fitting that the entertainment for newly minted President Barack Obama's inauguration was a first lady in her own right.

Aretha Franklin Performs My Country, Tis Of Thee At The Historical Inaguration 2009

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin took to the dais and belted out, for all the world to hear, "My Country 'Tis of Thee" in honor of the 44th president of the United States' history-making entrance into the White House this morning.

And while her less-than-understated bedazzled bow hat threatened to upstage the legendary singer, the performance went off without a pitchy hitch.

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Franklin's tune was one of just two performances in the lead-up to Obama taking the oath of office. She was followed by a more classic performance of the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts," arranged by John Williams and played by Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Anthony McGill and Gabriella Montero.

No-Show Queen Of Soul Pipes Up At Benefit Concert

NEW YORK – Organizers of a military benefit concert in New York say Aretha Franklin missed an award presentation but showed up for the main event hours later.

The Queen of Soul was a no-show when she was to receive the Torch of Freedom Award on Sunday in Times Square. The award was given by the Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen's Club.

A spokesman for the concert organizers says Franklin went on as scheduled later at the Nokia Theatre. She performed "New York, New York," a medley of military tunes and her classic "Respect."

It's unclear why Franklin missed the earlier engagement. Her publicist didn't immediately return messages.
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On the Net:
Military club: http://www.ssmaclub.org/

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Aretha Franklin Among Performers At King Concert

WASHINGTON – A free concert featuring Aretha Franklin will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington to pay tribute to the Reverend Martin Luther King Junior.

The show is being sponsored by the performing arts center and Georgetown University. It will take place on January 19, which is Martin Luther King Day.

Since 2003, the program has featured Kennedy Center honorees and popular entertainers. Franklin was an honoree in 1994.

Tickets will be available at the concert hall on the day of the show.

The event will also include performances by violin duo Nuttin' But Stringz and Georgetown University's Let Freedom Ring Choir.

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