Aretha Franklin Cancels Brooklyn Concerts After Injury
Aretha Franklin has cancelled two concerts in New York City after fracturing two ribs in a fall at her home and suffering subsequent abdominal pain. Doctors have ordered her to come in for medical testing. The Queen of Soul was scheduled to perform her first two shows ever in Brooklyn, including a birthday party for New York Congressman Charlie Rangel, who has come under fire for ethics violations.
Despite her injury, Franklin seems to be in good spirits. “I was very much looking forward to being in Brooklyn and having a foot long hot dog at Coney Island,” she said in a statement. “Hopefully, I will get it before the end of August.” Franklin also added, “I will really miss that nice slice of cake from Congressman Charlie Rangel’s birthday party and singing happy birthday to him.” Franklin is hoping to reschedule the shows for the end of August. “All of Brooklyn wishes Aretha Franklin a speedy recovery,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “We Brooklynites will be thrilled to welcome the Queen of Soul to the County of Kings.”
From Aretha to Mary J., check out Rolling Stone‘s list of the greatest singers of all time.
As Rolling Stone previously reported, Franklin most recently performed with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice last week in Philadelphia. The singer joined the classically-trained pianist for two songs at a charity concert.