After a first performance at Charity Missionary Baptist Church in 2019, the Charleston Gospel Choir will again perform Queen of Soul and Gospel: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin, this time five years later as a part of the annual Piccolo Spoleto festival.
The show will be held at 6 p.m. on June 8 at Mt. Zion AME Church on 5 Glebe St. in downtown Charleston and limited tickets will run from $13.50 – $27.50.
Lee Pringle, the choir’s founder and producer, said he chose to encore the performance by popular demand. The tribute to Franklin is a fitting choice for the choir, since Pringle said he continues to draw inspiration from the musical icon when putting music together for the choir.
“Many of the choir’s early choral offerings were inspired by the body of work Aretha Franklin shared with a global audience,” he said.
Franklin was an American singer and songwriter who continues to influence aspiring soul, jazz and R&B artists even after her death in 2018. She started her award-winning musical career by singing in her church choir at age 18. With her powerful voice, the “Queen of Soul” enchanted audiences and fought for civil rights.
Guest conductor Khyle B. Wooten will be guiding the performers, who he said are feeling “inspired” and excited about the show. “The entire choir feels strongly about the performance,” Pringle said.
A show featuring music from Franklin’s live 1972 album, Amazing Grace, the Charleston Gospel Choir’s tribute concert will remind Charlestonians of the mark Franklin made in music.
Pringle said in a release, “Franklin inspired generations of artists with her unique gospel style and delivery. We are honored to reflect on her legacy.”
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