The Charleston Gospel Choir is pleased to present its 2019 spring performance entitled Queen of Soul and Gospel: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin, Saturday, April 13, 6 p.m. at Charity Missionary Baptist Church, 1544 Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC under the musical direction of Guest Conductor Dr. Jason A. Dungee.

The undisputed Queen of Soul, whose gospel-tinged R&B music displays one of the greatest voices in recording history, Aretha Franklin is considered an American musical treasure—performing for over 50 years, from singing in her church choir, to her award-winning professional career which began at age eighteen.

From her time growing up as the daughter of a prominent African-American preacher to her death this past August, Franklin was immersed and involved in the struggle for civil rights and women’s rights. Her songs Respect and Natural Woman in particular became anthems of these movements for social change.

Through song and narration, the Charleston Gospel Choir will pay homage to Ms. Franklin’s musical achievements and activist legacy in performance of moving gospel and R&B standards made famous by Ms. Franklin including her arrangements of the iconic Beatles Let It Be and Paul Simon’s Bridge Over Troubled Water and her the toe-tapping arrangements of How I Got Over and What A Friend We Have in Jesus are among 12 moving and inspirational selections the choir will present.