Secretaries of soul: Condoleezza Rice, Aretha Franklin to team up for Philly musical benefit

Franklin, Rice team up for Philly musical benefit

PHILADELPHIA — Aretha Franklin will take the stage next month with an accomplished accompanist more famous for diplomacy: Condoleezza Rice.

The pair will play at Philadelphia’s Mann Center for the Performing Arts on July 27 in show that will feature Franklin’s music and classical composers.

The Mann Center’s website says former Secretary of State Rice will accompany Franklin on piano for “Say A Little Prayer,” ”Natural Woman,” selections from Mozart and more.

Franklin says in a statement that “Rice is a consummate classical pianist” and that since I sing the arias, I thought that we could do something, a bipartisan effort for our favorite charities.”

The venue says the performance is a benefit for programs that support inner city children and its own education initiatives.