
A new meaning of R-E-S-P-E-C-T will take form as former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice starts gearing up for her next high-profile gig.
This time, she's out of the political realm and joining forces with the Queen of Soul.
Since serving under President George W. Bush and being succeeded by Hillary Clinton, the Birmingham, Ala., native has returned to Stanford University, where she is a professor and the Thomas and Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institute.
On July 27, Aretha Franklin will perform at Philadelphia's Mann Center for Performing Arts with the Philadelphia Orchestra. In addition to singing classical arias, she will be joined by Rice for two songs.
The classically trained pianist, who previously performed for Queen Elizabeth II and alongside famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, will join the internationally renowned soul diva for her staples 'Say a Little Prayer' and 'Natural Woman.'
Franklin, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, previously performed at President Barack Obama's inaugural ceremony but is reportedly eager for the chance to team up with Rice for the bipartisan event.
On working with Rice, the first black woman secretary of the state, Franklin, a 20-time Grammy Award winner said she "is a consummate classical pianist, and since I sing the arias, I thought that we could do something, a bipartisan effort for our favorite charities."
According to the Mann Center's website, the performance will benefit programs that support inner-city children, as well as its own education initiatives.


Comments: (102)
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By: Lynn on 7/04/2010 3:18PM
I think it's great for them to work together. They are both very talented and will give an excellent concert. I am sick and tired of black people downing other black people because they worked for a republican president. How many Democratic presidents have given blacks the same opportunities? I don't understand my black communities' thinking. When will we stop and think for ourselves, when will we take the blinders off?
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By: Lauraj on 7/04/2010 3:38PM
At least we know they are real black americans!!
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By: Steve Gamble on 7/04/2010 3:44PM
A few examples of Blacks working for Republican Presidents. Gen. Powell was promoted to a 5 star General under Reagan The first,and only Black to receive that rank. Reagan later made Powell the first Black Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff's. Second in command only to the President. The first Bush promoted Dr. Rice to undersecretary status. The first Bush appointed a Black Supreme court justice. The second Bush hired Powell as the first Black Sec. of State followed by Dr. Rice. That's two Blacks back to back as Sec. of State. Dr. Rice was the first Black as head of National Security. Back to Reagan a moment. There are over 3000 positions a President may appoint. Reagan appointed more women and minorities than all previous 39 presidents combined. If that isn't walkiing the walk instead of just talking, then what is?
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By: magworker on 7/07/2010 4:33AM
Colin Powell was never promoted to 5 star general!!
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By: Hi Todd on 7/04/2010 3:50PM
I call her Urethra, what a pisser she is!
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By: murphykoz on 7/04/2010 4:14PM
AWESOME!! A little Aretha trivia: She had her first kid at 14!!!
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By: toyna on 7/06/2010 6:18PM
AN ''JOHNNY CASH'' MARRIED HIS COUSIN?????
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By: MeritaBread on 7/06/2010 8:54PM
Toyna, that wasn't Johnny Cash. That was Jerry Lee Lewis (of Great Balls of Fire! fame) who married his 13 year old cousin. They have since divorced, but not before having a coupla/few children. Not that Johnny was perfect. He and June Carter Cash were both married to other people when they first got together.
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By: MeritaBread on 7/07/2010 11:07AM
Murphykoz, just what is the relevance? Did that in any way diminish who she went on to become? In spite of becoming an unwed mother at such an early age, she went on to become one of the most successful and recognized artists in the world. And she is still winning accolades. Focus on that! A thousand positive steps and one misstep and you focus on the negative. That's lowdown!
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By: murphykoz on 7/07/2010 10:32PM
To Bread: Not criticism, like I said just some Aretha trivia. No biggie.
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