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Two Voices in R&B and Jazz Turn Quieter This Week

Detroit native Aretha Franklin sings the national anthem prior to the start of the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings game at Ford Field on Nov, 24, 2016.
GREGORY SHAMUS
/
Getty Images

 

Al Jarreau and Aretha Franklin announced their plans to slow down or stop their public performances.

In an interview with Detroit's NBC affiliate Local 4 news on Tuesday, Aretha Franklin said she is planning to retire, but will continue a small number of performances. The singer said she is working on a new album of originals. Stevie Wonder will have a hand in producing the album, which is expected it to be released around September. She told Local 4 that she will perform once a month, for six months, in support of it.

And then on Wednesday, news spread of Al Jarreau ceasing his tour:

Jarreau was born in Milwaukee, studied Psychology and worked professionally in rehabilitation services. It wasn't until his success moonlighting as a jazz singer in San Francisco that Jarreau decided to become a professional singer.

One of Jarreau's most successful albums was "Breakin' Away" with the hit song "We're in This Love Together." Jarreau was known for his use of scat singing and vocal percussion.

Here's a great example with his take on the classic "Take Five":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhq7fSrXn0c