Aretha Announces Final Tour
(April 14, 2003 – New York, N.Y.) Arista recording artist Aretha Franklin has made a stunning decision to commence what she is referring to as her final tour, tentatively titled, “Aretha Sings Her Musical History,” in advance of the release of a new album of all new material this fall, it was announced today by Antonio “L.A.” Reid, President and CEO, Arista Records. Aretha will continue to perform select dates in the future, but the tour – which will hit the road throughout the spring, summer and fall – will be the last major full-scale tour schedule of her career.
Initial dates will be announced in the weeks ahead for this historic tour, whose costumes will be exclusively designed by Luther Vandross, Valentino, Halston, Donna Karan and Bill Blass. Vandross has designed two knockout gowns for the tour, which were designed in celebration of their friendship and as an extension of his creative ability.
In an unusual move, Aretha is putting out the word that there will be open auditions for dancers in the tour troupe. The auditions will be for male and female dancers, ages 18-35, and will be held in Detroit during the second week in May. The location will be publicly announced just prior to the audition dates. Those interested should come prepared with videos, brochures, r