Aretha Franklin City Winery

Aretha Franklin retiring after releasing Stevie Wonder-produced album ++ more tribute show details

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has been active since the 1950s, and she remains that way. She’s got upcoming shows booked, and she’s planning to release a Stevie Wonder-produced album this September. Sadly, her career will come to an end after that album’s release. “I must tell you, I am retiring this year,” Aretha told Detroit’s WDIV Local 4 (via Billboard). That said, Aretha did say she’d be open to “some select things, many one a month, for six months out of the year.”

As you may know, Aretha is the artist that City Winery founder Michael Dorf is honoring with his annual tribute show at Carnegie Hall this year. The concert happens March 6, just a few weeks before Aretha turns 75, with Todd Rundgren, Richard Thompson, Glen Hansard, Taj Mahal & Deva Majal, Bettye LaVette, Antibalas, Ceelo Green, Living Colour, Naomi Shelton, Melissa Etheridge, and more. Tickets are still available. Full lineup below.

Like there always is, there’s a live rehearsal show at City Winery (3/5) the day before. It’s billed as Antibalas and special guests, and we can likely expect many of the same performers as the Carnegie Hall show to show up. It’s sold out, but you can sign up for the waiting list.

Watch Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder perform together:

The Music of Aretha Franklin @ Carnegie Hall — Lineup
Kenny Loggins
Melissa Etheridge
Rhiannon Giddens
Bettye LaVette
Allen Stone
Glen Hansard
Taj Mahal & Deva Mahal
Living Colour
G. Love
Sarah Dash
Sam Moore
Ledisi
Todd Rundgren
Ceelo Green
Naomi Shelton
Richard Thompson
Antibalas