Aretha and Jesse FUNKIN’ w/ the PISTONS – Franklin’s GRAMMY Tribute!

 
Aretha Franklin was accompanied by Jesse Jackson at the Detroit Pistons game on Friday night. The Pistons were hosting the Miami Heat at what turned out to be Franklin’s first public appearance since being hospitalized in December. According to the Detroit News Franklin said: “I’m feeling really great.” — “Loving the game, loving the game.”

After the game, a 106-92 Pistons loss, Franklin told WDIV-TV (Channel 4), “My first night out. My downtime was over about three days ago.” Franklin announced in November that doctor’s orders were forcing her to cancel all concerts and appearances for the next six months. She vowed to reschedule concerts she had to cancel due to her December surgery. On Friday, Franklin said she hopes to resume her public schedule in May. Although there are no dates scheduled yet, Aretha believes she’ll start in New York at Radio City Music Hall. Last month Franklin phoned “The Wendy Williams Show” broadcast in Detroit on WJBK-TV (Channel 2), saying that she felt “superb,” but that it would be two more weeks before she could “get out.” Franklin wasn’t calling the show’s host from her Detroit home, but from one of the city’s casino hotels, where she had gone for a change of scenery. Franklin was honored tonight during the opening of the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards with a fantastic tribute featuring Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Florence & the Machine and Martina McBride. Aretha greeted the audience via video, thanking Grammy show producer Ken Erlich. Franklin is one of the most honored artists by the Grammy Awards, with 18 competitive Grammys to date, and two honorary Grammys.

out of FUNKIN’ “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”
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