ARETHA FRANKLIN - FRANKLIN SWITCHES OFF AIR CON IN BID TO PROTECT VOICE

Soul singer ARETHA FRANKLIN has offended fans by turning off air conditioning at B.B. KING'S nightspot in New York - to protect her golden throat.

The SAY A LITTLE PRAYER star forced her sell-out audience to endure sweltering conditions as she belted out classic tunes in the famous Times Square club.

The hot singer the asked the audience, "There's no Kleenex or handkerchief up here?

"A lady is supposed to have one in her pocketbook."

A fan quickly handed her a linen handkerchief which the singer patted her face with.

During her rendition of HOLDING ON TO MY FAITH, Franklin danced across the stage, sighing, "If you want to hear your music played correctly, give it to New York musicians."