No-show Queen of Soul pipes up at benefit concert

[December 15, 2008]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Organizers of a military benefit concert in New York say Aretha Franklin missed an award presentation but showed up for the main event hours later.

The Queen of Soul was a no-show when she was to receive the Torch of Freedom Award on Sunday in Times Square. The award was given by the Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen's Club.

A spokesman for the concert organizers says Franklin went on as scheduled later at the Nokia Theatre. She performed "New York, New York," a medley of military tunes and her classic "Respect."

It's unclear why Franklin missed the earlier engagement. Her publicist didn't immediately return messages.

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On the Net:

Military club: http://www.ssmaclub.org/

[Associated Press]

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