Aretha Franklin and former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice teamed up for a one-of-a-kind show Tuesday night in Philadelphia. The outdoor concert at the Mann Music Center also featured a surprise appearance by fellow R&B legend Ron Isley. It was a fundraiser for charities helping local youth.
Rice, who’s also a classical pianist, first discussed the idea with Franklin during a White House meeting several years ago. A highlight came when the former Washington insider added her keyboard skills to Franklin’s “I Say a Little Prayer” as also backed Aretha on “The Star Spangled Banner.” Our reporter added that Rice’s work was “surprisingly funky.” It was a night for classic tunes — Rice performed Mozart, while Lady Soul served up such chartbusters as “Chain of Fools,” “Freeway of Love” and “Respect,” as well as operatic aria “Nessun Dorma.” The evening’s biggest surprise was Ron Isley joining Aretha for a duet on “The Way We Were.” –Mike McCann
