Aretha Is Queen

There is, and always has been, only one Queen of Soul.

At the Grammy Awards last Sunday, Beyonce Knowles said:

Sarah Vaughn, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan: Historical women who have performed on this very stage. When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being on this stage. But I knew I needed all the elements, like the beat of Donna Summer, the spirit of Mahalia Jackson, the jazz of Ella or Nancy.

"Lena Horne, Anita Baker, Diana Ross. Gladys, Janet and the beautiful melodies of Whitney. The legacy they have bestowed are simply irreplaceable. But there is one legend who has the essence of all of these things: the glamour, the soul, the passion, the strength, the talent. Ladies and gentleman . . . give it up for the Queen."

And out wakled Aretha Franklin. Ooops! No . . . wait . . . it's Tina Turner! Beyonce Knowles just introduced Tina Turner as the Queen! YIKES!

Now, I adore Tina Turner and have enjoyed her performances over the years. Her later recordings were not much to write home about, but she is surely one rock 'n roller whose every show is memorable. Whether singing the songs of John Fogerty, A; Green, The Beatles, Sly Stone, or even David Bowie, her performances are grand.

But she is no queen.

There is only one black woman who you refer to as the Queen, and that is Aretha Franklin.

What was giong through Beyonce Knowles' mind that she thought to introduce Tina Turner as the queen? Or was it the writers (possibly rusty from their long strike) who made the blunder?

No matter where the blame should be laid, Beyonce Knowles shows a lack of sense for saying it. If she does not know that Aretha is Queen, then she deserves no place in pop culture.

Miss Knowles, you are summarily dismissed from all things popular, black, and musical!

Begone!

Scat!

See Beyonce's "Queen" a Royal Pain for Aretha



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