Aretha Franklin covers “Rolling the Deep” on TODAY Show
In a recent TODAY show appearance, the Queen of Soul herself paid tribute to a new generation of soul artists and divas by unleashing a powerful cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Aretha Franklin’s performance of the mega-hit followed up a similar appearance on David Letterman’s Late Show earlier in the week.
In a recent TODAY show appearance, the Queen of Soul herself paid tribute to a new generation of soul artists and divas by unleashing a powerful cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Aretha Franklin’s performance of the mega-hit followed up a similar appearance on David Letterman’s Late Show earlier in the week.
Drawing inspiration from this new crop of artists has resulted in a complete album of covers, due at the end of October, full of Franklin’s take on songs by Adele, Alicia Keys and other soul stars. The album, titled Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics, also features production by Andre 3000 of Outcast fame.
Franklin, 72, proclaimed in a recent interview with Anthony DeCurtis that, “It’s what contemporary music needs more of,” in reference to Adele’s chart-topping song. In explaining how she chose “Rolling in the Deep” for inclusion on the album, Franklin said, “She’s got something to say, and she says it a little differently than the norm. But Miss Adele is not one to be messed with, listening to those lyrics!” She also said, in reference to the 26-year-old soul singer’s album 21, “I absolutely loved her CD. In addition to being a great singer, she’s a great writer, a deep, heavy writer. She doesn’t write the usual or the norm.”
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In addition to her performance of “Rolling in the Deep,” Franklin also performed her own version of Etta James’ soul classic “At Last” on the TODAY show, in addition to sitting down for an interview.
Despite over five decades in the business, Franklin shows no signs of slowing down. When asked how she has managed to maintain her powerful, legendary voice, Franklin said, “[It’s] the love of the business, the industry — and getting my rest. I’ll never be accused of not getting my rest.”
Franklin’s new album is set to come out on October 21.
