Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin Comes To Coney Island Tonight

Aretha Franklin wipes a tear after being honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bush in 2005. (from wikipedia)

Baby, I got what you need!

Grammy award-winning legend Aretha Franklin is set to perform in Coney Island tonight as part of Borough President Marty Markowitz’s Seaside Summer Concert Series.

Markowitz told the New York Post that Ms. Franklin will be the most world-renowned act he’s ever managed to snag for the free summer concerts. According to the Post, Brooklynites have been enjoying the gratis gatherings for 33 years.

From the Post

“I know I speak for all Brooklynites when I say that we’re thrilled to welcome the Queen of Soul to the County of Kings,” said Markowitz, who fund the concerts through nonprofit groups set up to raise big bucks for his promotional pet projects.

This will be Aretha Franklin’s first show in Brooklyn. The singer had planned to perform at concerts in both Coney and East Flatbush last summer but had to cancel – reportedly due to two broken ribs she had sustained in a fall. Both gigs were likewise organized by Beep Markowitz.

The Grammy winner had also cited the injuries as her reason for canceling a scheduled performance at Rep. Charles Rangel’s 80th birthday party and fundraiser last summer. The party was held in the midst of the Congressman’s corruption scandal.

The concert begins tonight at 7:30 pm on West 21st Street between the Boardwalk and Surf Avenue.