ARETHA FRANKLIN - FRANKLIN NAMED 2008 MUSICARES PERSON OF THE YEAR

FRANKLIN NAMED 2008 MUSICARES PERSON OF THE YEAR

Legendary singer ARETHA FRANKLIN will be honoured as the 2008 MusiCares Person Of The Year next February (08). The soul star will collect the award at a Los Angeles gala on 8 February, two days before the 50th annual Grammy Awards takes place. Franklin has previously received the highest US honour, a 2005 Presidential Medal Of Freedom and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, among many others. Neil Portnow, president of the MusiCares Foundation and The Recording Academy, says, "As we celebrate the milestones of 50 years for The Recording Academy and the Grammy Awards, it is most fitting that we honour one of the most influential and legendary talents in music - the incomparable Aretha Franklin. "Aretha's musical legacy spans more than four decades and we feel it is an ideal moment to honour her career achievements. We look forward to paying tribute to her during Grammy Week."