Aretha Franklin edging into semi-retirement

By Gail Mitchell

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Aretha Franklin's storied career is the focus of two new retrospectives, "Rare & Unreleased Recordings From the Golden Reign of the Queen of Soul" and "Oh Me Oh My: Aretha Franklin Live in Philly, 1972."

Partnered with young gun Fantasia, Franklin is also back on the R&B charts with "Put You Up On Game," one of 16 tracks featured on the compilation "Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets With the Queen," due in stores November 13. The J Records release includes guest turns by Annie Lennox, George Michael, Mary J. Blige and John Legend.

Billboard recently caught up Franklin before a charity concert in New York.

1. WHAT ONE SPECIAL MEMORY SURFACED AFTER REVISITING THE "JEWELS" DUETS?

The duet with Frank Sinatra, "What Now My Love," is one of my favorites. It was 1969 and I went to Los Angeles to perform "Funny Girl" on the Academy Awards. Frank introduced me that night; to be introduced by the chairman of the board was a big moment for me. I had always wanted to duet with him. Frank always had the best arrangers, and his song selection and phrasing were impeccable.

2. IS THERE ANYONE ELSE ON YOUR DUET WISH LIST?

Absolutely. Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan. And you never know, Natalie Cole and I may do something. We've touched on that.

3. IS A NEW STUDIO ALBUM ON THE WAY?