RESOLUTION SALUTING "THE QUEEN OF SOUL" ARETHA FRANKLIN
WHEREAS, Aretha Louise Franklin, also known as "The Queen of Soul" and a living legend who has been a professional musician for more than 50 years, will be performing with her band at the landmark Chicago Theatre on May 19, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Aretha Franklin's first vocal album, "The Gospel Soul of Aretha Franklin", was originally released in 1956 and launched a remarkable musical career that has set the record for the most Grammy Awards for Best Female R B Vocal Performance with 18 competitive Grammys and two honorary Grammys to her name; and
WHEREAS, Aretha Franklin captured Billboard Magazine's number one spot with the legendary single "Respect" in 1967 and, once again, 20 years later with "I Knew You Were Waiting for Me" in 1987, signifying the staying power of her musical influence. In that same year, she made history by becoming the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Aretha Franklin was the only featured singer at the 2009 presidential inauguration of Barack Obama. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers and performers of all time, earning the admiration of other artists as well as multiple generations of fans throughout the world for the enduring music she has created; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Robert W. Fioretti, Alderman ofthe 2nd Ward, has apprised this august body of the noteworthy accomplishments of this iconic vocalist and her impending performance in this city; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members ofthe City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 18th Day of May, 2011 A.D., salute Aretha Louise Franklin for her contributions to art and society and express our deepest admiration as well as more than a little respect for her prodigious musical talents.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Thursday, May 19, 2011, be recognized as "Aretha Franklin Day" in Chicago in honor of her lifetime achievements and her performance...
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