Seeing Aretha Franklin Sing For The Last Time
"This is my last year in concert," Aretha Franklin said earlier this year. For a fan who has seen her more than a dozen times, this meant one last chance to witness the queen of soul in person.
She walked on stage on a cool summer evening, wearing a mink jacket over a glittering gown. She stepped a little gingerly, as if she were stiff or feeling some discomfort.
She waved to the audience and then unleashed her voice: "Like a warrior that fights to win the battle ...." The sold-out crowd roared as she sang the No. 1 hit she recorded in 1987 with George Michael, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)."
This is Aretha Franklin, age 75, in concert at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts outside Washington, D.C. It was the 17 time I've seen her sing. And probably the last. Earlier this year she announced, "This will be my last year in concert. This
