Billboard confirmed music executive Clive Davis reportedly received Aretha Franklin’s blessing in June to lead an all-star tribute to celebrate her six decades in the music industry. Clive Davis Presents: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin will be produced by Live Nation and will take place in New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Sony Music’s chief creative officer executive produced some of Franklin’s greatest hits. The pair has a near 40-year-old friendship. Davis met the singer in the late ’70s after he started Arista records. ” I went to her house in Los Angeles, and she cooked dinner for me. We spent the evening getting to know each other and establishing the bond that we have,” he said.
Showbiz411 initially reported the news of the tribute concert with Jennifer Hudson as a headlining performer. In an exclusive story published on Monday, Roger Friedman wrote:
Indeed, they each mentioned it to me last month when I went to to Detroit to see Aretha. The Queen of Soul was beyond delighted. She personally approved Jennifer Hudson, who is slated to play Aretha in a biopic for Sony/Tri-Star, as one of the lead performers.
Other details regarding the show have not been announced. It is scheduled to take place on Nov. 14. There is no word on if Franklin’s health will allow her to attend the show but it will be streamed for her as she rests up in Detroit.
Stay tuned for more updates of a potential lineup and ticket sales.
