Aretha Franklin calls off wedding

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added: 23 Jan 2012 // by: newsdesk 

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Aretha Franklin has cancelled her engagement to long time friend William 'Willie' Wilkerson.

The 69-year-old singer released a statement today saying there had been a change in plan and they were no longer planning on tying the knot this summer.

It was just three weeks ago that the Queen of Soul made the announcement she was going to wed for the third time but already those arrangements are on hold.

'Regretfully, To Our Friends and Supporters: Will and I have decided we were moving a little too fast,' she wrote.

'There were a number of things that had not been thought through thoroughly. There will be no wedding at this time.'

'We will not comment on it any further because of the very personal and sensitive nature of it. We appreciate all of the many well wishes from friends.'

Aretha is notoriously private about her personal life and rarely speaks about her relationships.

But she told Jet magazine in 2007 that she and Will were longtime friends.

'Will and I are very close,' she said. 'We stayed close and he escorts me on occasion and we're just cool. We're real cool.'

The wedding would have been the third marriage for the Chain of Fools singer having previously been married to Ted White for eight years.

Following their split in 1969 she married Glynn Turman in 1978 but they divorced six years later.

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Aretha Franklin, Charlie Wilson and Stylistics join Essence Festival line-up

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added: 13 Jan 2012 // by: VVN Music 

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The 2012 Essence Festival, scheduled for July 6, 7 and 8 in New Orleans, has announced their initial lineup of talent that mixes a number of esteemed veterans with the best of today's R&B voices.

"The theme of this year's Essence Music Festival celebrates our most powerful voices. Whether it's Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul commanding respect or Rep. Maxine Waters demanding better conditions for our community, these powerful voices resonate with our audience like no other," said Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc. "As we all face a new reality in these critical times, we want to inspire our Festival-goers to leave this year's Festival even more resilient and motivated so that they can be empowered to create change in their own communities."

After another record-breaking year in 2011, this year's line-up promises to be a weekend to remember. Stellar acts leading the list of artists set to perform at the legendary Louisiana Superdome include:

Aretha Franklin
Mary J. Blige
Fantasia
Stephanie Mills
Charlie Wilson
Keyshia Cole
Ledisi
SWV
Dru Hill
Raheem DeVaughn
Estelle
Goapele
Vivian Green
Kindred the Family Soul
Luke James
Eric Roberson
Stylistics
Big Sam's Funky Nation
Bridget Kelly
The Original Pinettes Brass Band
The Stooges Brass Band
Khris Royal & Dark Matter

In addition, ESSENCE will honor iconic singer Aretha Franklin with "The Power Award." The Queen of Soul previously performed at the Festival in 1995 and 2005.

In addition to the colossal music line-up, the audience can look forward to the annual Essence Empowerment Experience, which is free and open to the public at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Festival-goers will experience three full days of socio-political dialogue, health and wellness discussions and spiritual inspiration led by dynamic motivational speakers. The initial roster of leading authors, speakers and leaders include: Steve Harvey, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rep. Maxine Waters and Dr. Steve Perry. The weekend will culminate on Sunday with a rousing All-star Gospel tribute honoring gospel mega-stars Fred Hammond and Mary Mary.

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