Aretha Franklin blesses Michael Jackson's soul at the Hollywood Bowl
During her Friday night performance at the Hollywood Bowl (full review here), Aretha Franklin made sure to pause and pay tribute to Michael Jackson.
Her first mention of the fallen pop star came when she asked her friend the Rev. Jesse Jackson to stand and take a bow, adding that he had flown into town "to be of comfort to the Jackson family."
Later, Franklin spoke of Michael Jackson as a "musical genius" and "a very kind and sensitive young man who never gave less than 150% when he hit the stage." Sitting at her piano, she bowed her head and said, "We do thank you, Michael, for every performance, for every kind thing you did, and we do want to take a moment in remembrance of Michael Jackson."
The near-capacity crowd then fell silent for several moments. Franklin concluded with a brief prayer, saying, "He moved on up, just a little bit higher now."
It was a touching offering from the Queen of Soul to the King of Pop.
-- Ann Powers
Photo credit: Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times
Yes it was. And it also a great concert, made even better 'cause who knows how long we'll have Aretha around?
Posted by: PDuff | June 27, 2009 at 01:38 PM
Not to mention, Aretha was awesome!. The show was fun too. Thanks Aretha, ain't nothin' like the real thing.
Posted by: lisa black | June 27, 2009 at 03:02 PM
The tribute to MJ happened about 3/4 of the way through the show, which was attended by a near-capacity (17,500+) crowd. People were shouting, dancing, hooting, clapping for an hour straight. The music was loud and funky and non-stop. But during the moments of silence for MJ, in the huge amphitheater, you could hear a pin drop.
Posted by: Winthrop Girl | June 27, 2009 at 05:35 PM
Aretha showing her class. She has one of the greatest singing voices in the history of music, and Michael was up there too. What a WONDERFUL gesture from the Queen of Soul.
Posted by: Simon G. | June 27, 2009 at 10:56 PM