Listening to Aretha's "I Say a Little Prayer" over and over (later done by Dionne Warwick), and recalling how odd it felt to hear what I always thought in a “gospel” style inserted in the very Broadway (in a good way) Sean Hayes-Kristin Chenoweth "Promises Promises" revival. I love how Kristin Chenoweth did her character and her regular songs,BUT this song seemed an odd fit, there only to help equalize the roles. We used a track that was more Aretha, and spent many happy hours immersed in that Aretha version while we mixed this.
I Say a Little Prayer parody to Aretha classic track & a nod to Dionne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4srdnbhOYs4
[today hearing Aretha was upset with Dionne about Dionne's mention of her at Whitney Houston's funeral, but Dionne sounds on TV like she loved and still loves Aretha anyway]
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wouldn’t it be wonderfully soul satisfying and inspiring nationally if affluent families whose children receive those medical school scholarships were to make equivalent donations for poorer but qualified students to attend medical or other professional schools?
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From the memories by Mr. Rowell in "And Finally": “to singing for Carole King at the Kennedy Center Honors (but not before going back offstage to get her pocketbook, which she safely placed on the grand piano where she could watch it).”
A funny moment, but reminds us that part of her legacy (from what’s been said the past day) is empowering others to make sure you’re compensated for what you bring to the table, don’t let others take advantage.
“Update” of YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE A NATURAL WOMAN
[Imagining Aretha remaking her classic when Clive Davis brought her back big when she was 70.]
Looking out when I entertain
Feels so good to be hired
Seventy to many seems such a pain
Lord, Clive makes feel so admired
I never thought this day would somehow arrive
That now I’m getting new life with Clive
And he makes me feel
With this new deal
He makes me feel like a bankable woman
A while ago when I was not around
Fans thought something was the matter
"Would the Queen make the same old magic sound"
Was the cause for gossip and chatter
Now I'm timing the announcement to my birthday bash
And since I signed with Clive, I feel like a smash
Yeah, he makes me feel
Like it’s all real
He makes me feel like a bankable woman.
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Thank you, Jonathan, for this NY Today tribute to Aretha who remained very much a New Yorker, despite her later move to California. So fitting that her last public appearance was in our great city. Thank you, too, for the link to the wonderful playlist, and for concluding with "people-on-the-street" comments about the impact of Aretha and her incomparable music.
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