Aretha Franklin Back On Stage At Detroit Casino

Aretha Franklin is back. Just ask her.

The Queen of Soul proclaimed her return to the stage Saturday night at Detroit’s MotorCity Casino with the words, “Well, I’m here”

Franklin has been mostly out of the limelight since undergoing treatment for an undisclosed medical condition over the summer.

The Oakland Press of Pontiac says she performed for 35 minutes at the casino’s Sound Board venue, accompanied by a 22-piece orchestra.

She opened with a cover of fellow Detroiter Jackie Wilson’s “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher,” then sang Luther Vandross’s “(It’s Just) Your Love” and Curtis Mayfield’s “Sparkle.”

Photo: AP Photo / Carolyn Kaster
National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, President's Park, Washington, D.C.

Franklin played piano for Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me” and dedicated Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” to the late Whitney Houston, who made it a hit.