Post by Emerald City on Nov 17, 2004 15:52:12 GMT -5
Aretha Franklin sang with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, performing her hits including "Respect" and "Chain of Fools," in advance of the opening of former President Clinton 's library.
The full house that turned out at Robinson Auditorium applauded enthusiastically Tuesday night for Franklin, who told The Associated Press that she was fond of Clinton for his humanitarian work.
"It's my impression that he cares about people and he cares about all people," the singer said.
Clinton and other dignitaries will attend the Clinton Presidential Center dedication ceremony Thursday. The center opens to the public Friday.
Franklin also said she's thankful that Clinton gave her the National Medal of Arts while he was president.
"It's unquestionably one of the highest points of my career," she said. "And so I'm most thankful as an artist."
The performance was her first in Little Rock, but Franklin didn't spend all her time preparing for the concert.
"I've enjoyed some wonderful food, some of the best crab cakes I've ever eaten," she said. "I've also had something different, that was really I guess an Arkansas specialty — deep-fried artichokes — and they were just wonderful."
