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Watch the behind-the-scenes story of the making of Aretha Franklin’s A Brand New Me, containing clips from the recording at Abbey Road Studios and archive footage of Aretha in concert, as well as interviews with: Nile Rodgers (Chic), James Williams (Managing Director, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra), Nick Patrick (Album Co-Producer), and Don Reedman (Album Co-Producer).

Pre-order A Brand New Me here: https://lnk.to/BNMMP

Nick Patrick and Don Reedman can’t lie. Part of the allure of producing A Brand New Me: Aretha Franklin With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra — whose version of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” is premiering exclusively below — was a chance to play with the Queen of Soul’s original vocal recordings from the 1960s.

The 14-song set (12 on LP), due out Nov. 10, pairs those vintage vocals with new orchestrations the British duo put together with the Royal Philharmonic at Abbey Road Studios, along with new backing vocals by Patti Austin.

Watch the new video for the Aretha Franklin and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra version of “Respect,” which shows some gorgeous archive footage of the Queen of Soul performing live, along with the orchestra adding lush new arrangements at Abbey Road Studios in London. The track is included on A Brand New Me: Aretha Franklin with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, out November 10.

Legacy Recordings Set to Release Deluxe Digital Version of Clive Davis – The Soundtrack of Our Lives–an Apple Music Exclusive–on Wednesday, September 27

Standard Digital Version Available Friday, September 29

Acclaimed Clive Davis Documentary Film Opens in New York and Los Angeles Theaters on Wednesday, September 27

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release an exclusive digital deluxe (streaming and download) edition of Clive Davis – The Soundtrack of Our Lives on Wednesday, September 27 on Apple Music. Pre-order the soundtrack here.

The standard 20-track digital version of Clive Davis – The Soundtrack of Our Lives will be available on Friday, September 29.

The audio companion to the highly-acclaimed documentary chronicling the life and career of the legendary Clive Davis, The Soundtrack of Our Lives follows the incredible journey of the musical visionary whose ears and instincts helped him discover and develop a roster of phenomenal artists who’ve defined popular music and culture for more than half a century.

In 1967, Clive Davis became president of Columbia Records, signing folk-rock avatar Donovan to Epic early on in his career. Davis went on to play a key role in the careers of Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, Santana, Aretha Franklin, Aerosmith, Earth, Wind & Fire, Simon & Garfunkel, Janis Joplin, Chicago, Barry Manilow, the Kinks, Patti Smith, Dionne Warwick, Rod Stewart, Blood Sweat & Tears, the Grateful Dead, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson among others.  He was the founder and president of Arista Records from 1975 through 2000 before heading RCA Music Group. He’s currently chief creative officer of Sony Music Entertainment. Clive Davis has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and is the recipient of the Recording Academy’s lifetime achievement award.

“Clive Davis – The Soundtrack of Our Lives”–based on Davis’ 2013 autobiography and directed by Chris Perkel–opened the prestigious 2017 Tribeca Film Festival at New York’s Radio City Music Hall in April.  Apple Music acquired the film rights earlier this year and the documentary will stream exclusively on the platform on Oct 3rd. Watch the film trailer here.

Clive Davis – The Soundtrack of Our Lives 
Various Artists
(Full Version for Apple Music)

1. Big Brother & The Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin – Piece of My Heart
2. Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
3. Chicago- 25 Or 6 To 4
4. Blood Sweat & Tears – Spinning Wheel
5. Bruce Springsteen -Blinded By The Light
6. Billy Joel – Piano Man
7. Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass – If You Don’t Know Me By Now
8. Barry Manilow – Mandy
9. Eric Carmen – All By Myself
10. Melissa Manchester – Don’t Cry Out Loud
11. Earth, Wind & Fire – September
12. Patti Smith – Because The Night
13. The Kinks – Come Dancing
14. The Alan Parsons Project – Eye In The Sky
15. Whitney Houston – The Greatest Love Of All
16. Aretha Franklin – Freeway of Love
17. Dionne & Friends featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder – That’s What Friends Are For
18. Carly Simon – Coming Around Again
19. Kenny G – Songbird
20. Taylor Dayne – Tell It To My Heart
21. Grateful Dead – Touch of Grey
22. Alan Jackson – Don’t Rock the Jukebox
23. Brooks & Dunn – Boot Scootin’ Boogie
24. Ace of Base – The Sign
25. Annie Lennox – Why
26. Santana featuring Rob Thomas – Smooth
27. Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone
28. Alicia Keys – Fallin’
29. Luther Vandross – Dance with My Father
30. Rod Stewart – The Way You Look Tonight

BONUS TRACKS

31. Clive Davis – Clive Davis recites lyrics to Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Blinded by The Light’ (Audio from Columbia Records promo video 1973)
32. Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) (Original Merrill and Rubicam Demo / Single Version Excerpts)
33. Whitney Houston & Natalie Cole – This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) (Duet performance from Clive Davis’ 2000 Grammy Party)
34. Aretha Franklin – ‘I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) (Live performance from 2000 Arista 25th Anniversary Party)

Clive Davis – The Soundtrack Of Our Lives
Various Artists
(Available at all digital retailers)

1. Big Brother & The Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin – Piece of My Heart
2. Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
3. Chicago- 25 Or 6 To 4
4. Bruce Springsteen -Blinded By The Light
5. Barry Manilow – Mandy
6. Eric Carmen – All By Myself
7. Melissa Manchester – Don’t Cry Out Loud
8. Earth, Wind & Fire – September
9. Patti Smith Group – Because The Night
10. The Kinks – Come Dancing
11. Whitney Houston – Greatest Love of All
12. Aretha Franklin – Freeway of Love
13. Dionne & Friends featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder – That’s What Friends Are For
14. Carly Simon – Coming Around Again
15. Kenny G – Songbird
16. Grateful Dead – Touch of Grey
17. Annie Lennox – Why
18. Santana featuring Rob Thomas – Smooth
19. Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone
20. Alicia Keys – Fallin’

Exclusively at USA Today, listen to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” from A Brand New Me: Aretha Franklin with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The album, out November 10, pairs the Queen of Soul’s classic powerhouse vocals with arrangements by the renowned British orchestra, which were recorded at London’s Abbey Road Studios.

Listen and read more at USA Today.

On Tuesday, November 7, 2017, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) will host its annual New York Fall Gala at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. This year’s gala commemorates the Foundation’s 25th year and honors Founder Sir Elton John. President Bill Clinton, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Sharon Stone, and others will pay tribute to Elton’s achievements as a philanthropist and humanitarian. The legendary Aretha Franklin will be the special musical guest, along with performances by violinist Joshua Bell and Broadway’s The Lion King, featuring Heather Headley. Neil Patrick Harris will host the event.

Read more at EJAF.org.

From LocalMemphis.com:

Aretha Franklin With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Available November 10 From Rhino

Available On CD, LP, And Digitally On November 10 From Rhino

LOS ANGELES – In January 1967, a 24-year old Aretha Franklin signed to Atlantic Records and began one of the most legendary runs in music history, releasing five U.S. hit singles in that year alone. Rhino celebrates the 50th anniversary of Franklin’s historic signing with an opportunity to hear her classic Atlantic masters like never before.

A BRAND NEW ME: ARETHA FRANKLIN WITH THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA pairs classic vocals from some of the most iconic songs that the Queen of Soul recorded for Atlantic Records with new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The album will be available from Rhino on November 10 on CD, LP, digital download, and streaming services.

A BRAND NEW ME features Franklin’s instantly recognizable voice woven together with new orchestral arrangements. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra recorded the music at Abbey Road Studios in London, with brand new backing vocals led by Grammy®-winning singer Patti Austin.

The result is another timeless record that retains the soul, groove, and gospel power of Franklin’s revered talent. Among the standout tracks are newly re-imagined versions of classics like the Billboard #1 R&B hits “Respect,” “Think,” “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied),” and “Angel.”

The album was produced by Nick Patrick and Don Reedman, the masterminds behind the massive worldwide success of If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which recently topped the charts in multiple countries and has sold more than 1.5 million copies.

Nick Patrick says: “There is a reason that Aretha Franklin is called the ‘Queen of Soul.’ There is nothing more exciting than that incredible voice taking you on an emotional roller coaster ride through her amazing repertoire of songs. To have the opportunity to work with that voice on this project has been the greatest honor and to hear a symphony orchestra wrapped around those performances is breathtaking.”

Don Reedman says: “I was 15 years old when a song came on the radio called ‘Rock A Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody.’ It blew me away; the power, the soul. The feeling that went through me got me hooked on Aretha and I have been ever since. To be able to make this album and be able to select songs from hits like ‘Respect’ to ‘Think’ then blend them with classic songs like ‘Let It Be’ and ‘Border Song’ and create an album which is versatile and fresh is truly an honor.”

James Williams, Managing Director of The Royal Philharmonic says: “The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is thrilled to perform on this new recording, combining Aretha Franklin’s iconic voice with lush new arrangements of her greatest hit songs for full orchestra, bringing a whole new generation to the music of this legendary performer.”

A BRAND NEW ME: ARETHA FRANKLIN WITH THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC
Track Listing

CD / Digital
1. “Think”
2. “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)”
3. “I Say A Little Prayer”
4. “Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)”
5. “A Brand New Me”
6. “A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)”
7. “Angel”
8. “Border Song (Holy Moses)”
9. “Let It Be”
10. “People Get Ready”
11. “Oh Me Oh My (I’m A Fool For You Baby)”
12. “You’re All I Need To Get By”
13. “Son Of A Preacher Man”
14. “Respect”

LP
SIDE A
1. “Think”
2. “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)”
3. “I Say A Little Prayer”
4. “A Brand New Me”
5. “A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like)”
6. “Angel”

SIDE B
1. “Border Song (Holy Moses)”
2. “Let It Be”
3. “People Get Ready”
4. “You’re All I Need To Get By”
5. “Son Of A Preacher Man”
6. “Respect”

The Queen of Soul was feted over a three-day period as part of the inaugural Detroit Music Weekend festival with a street naming and a tribute concert, as well as her own free headline show in downtown Detroit that Franklin has said may be the last in her hometown.

… If that proves to be the case, Franklin left her Detroit fans — estimated by festival organizers at 14,000 — with a gracious finale. The hour-and-50-minute show brought out a batch of famous friends — including civil rights activist Jessie Jackson, Michigan U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, boxing champion Thomas Hearns, Detroit City Councilwoman JoAnn Watson and fellow musicians Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Freda Payne, Vickie Winans and Ivan Kral. … During a mid-show break Franklin also received a key to the city from Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and a Metropolitan Detroit Virtuoso Award from Franklin’s opera coach Mary Lynch.

Read more at Billboard.

Watch as Detroit honors Aretha Franklin by renaming a street in downtown after her. It’s at the corner of Brush St. and Madison Ave. – WXYZ Detroit