Aretha Franklin celebrated her birthday in style Thursday at a star-studded affair at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Manhattan. Friends at the intimate celebration hailed the “Queen of Soul” as she turned 74.
Guests at the party included music mogul Clive Davis, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rep. Charlie Rangel, Roland Martin, Michael Eric Dyson and journalists Tamron Hall and Don Lemon.
The evening’s entertainment included a jazz performance by members of the Dizzy Gillespie Band and The Manhattan Transfer. Dennis Edwards of the famed Motown group The Temptations also took the stage.
Reports indicate that Franklin is working with producer Scott Bernstein on her biopic film. Oscar-award winning actress Jennifer Hudson is reportedly being tapped to play Franklin in the film.
Franklin is set perform at “Jazz at the White House” in Washington along with Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau, Diana Krall and Sting. The event will air on ABC on April 30 at 8pm ET
Currently on tour, Franklin has upcoming performances in Durham, N.C., Milwaukee and Cincinnati. She is scheduled to come back to New York for a concert at Radio City Music Hall in September.
Photos by Cyril Josh Barker