Music
Queen Latifah, Chaka Khan, Dionne Warwick, Cece Winans, and More
By AARP
Apr 29, 2008, 18:34

AARP, the world's largest advocacy organization for the 50+ community, today announced it will bring a star studded, two-hour musical event entitled, "Songs of Soul and Inspiration" to the Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA on June 21, 2008. Tickets will be available for the general public on April 21st.

The mega-event -- directed by Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony award-winning producer and choreographer Debbie Allen -- is part of AARP's 50th anniversary celebration and features a once-in-a-lifetime line-up of female vocalists, including Yolanda Adams, Patti Austin, Shirley Caesar, Chaka Khan, Jamia, Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, CeCe Winans, the Fire Choir and Ann Nesby appearing with Paris Bennett.

"We're thrilled to bring this extraordinary musical event to Atlanta in celebration of our 50th anniversary," said Emilio Pardo, Chief Brand Officer, AARP. "The talent coming together for this show is truly phenomenal and a perfect way for our members, their families and friends to join in our celebration. These performers have provided us with a lifetime of exceptional music that will now come together in one memorable evening."

This gathering of some of the top pop, gospel, rhythm & blues, and soul singers will honor the musical legacy of the African American church and the extraordinary voices that flowed from it into the worlds of popular music and film.

As young artists, these women made their way to recording studios, stages and concert halls to bring their faith to a larger audience. Over time, each woman became a star in her own right and brought unwavering messages of hope and inspiration to the airwaves.

"I am honored to help AARP celebrate its 50th Anniversary and I'm looking forward to spending this special evening with my friends who share a passion for the extraordinary music featured in Songs of Soul & Inspiration," said Chaka Khan. Dionne Warwick added, "Congratulations to AARP for 50 years of inspiration... this is only the beginning, and I look forward to celebrating in Atlanta!"

The event will feature a wide range of musical genres and vocal styles--from the intimate jazz of Patti Austin and the silky pop of Dionne Warwick to the funk 'n'soul of Chaka--all fused with the messages of hope and inspiration. Underscoring the power of music to connect people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life, Ann Nesby will pair her R&B stylings with her 19-year-old granddaughter Paris Bennett, one of the top 5 finalists on the fifth season of "American Idol."

Renowned choreographer Debbie Allen will direct the program, which tells the story of how these soulful superstars began singing in church choirs before taking their music to the world in their own distinctive styles. Additionally, the winners of AARP and Radio One's One Love Gospel Cruise national church choir competition will perform with the stars.