Aretha Franklin Eyes State Fair Confections

There’s something beyond delivering a set packed with her hits that’s got Aretha Franklin jazzed about fair season: the elephant ears.

The Queen of Soul says she’s looking forward to tracking down one of the powdered sugar-covered confections while she’s at the Ohio State Fair to perform on Thursday. There may be plenty of opportunities for fried treats ahead, given that her 2014 tour also includes performances at the Wisconsin and Minnesota state fairs in August.

After some health issues, the 72-year-old R&B diva says she’s feeling as good as she did in her 50s. She’s taking French lessons and studying classical piano with a Julliard graduate.

Photo: AP Photo / Charles Dharapak

National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, President's Park, Washington, D.C.

She said she plans to perform many of her hits and selections from an upcoming CD.

Daily Pulse