DENZEL WASHINGTON - WASHINGTON URGES WIFE TO START SINGING AGAIN

WASHINGTON URGES WIFE TO START SINGING AGAIN

DENZEL WASHINGTON is urging his wife of 23 years to come out of retirement and resume her singing career. Singer PAULETTA PEARSON gave up her career as a Broadway actress and singer to marry Washington and raise their four children - but now the 51-year-old is encouraging his wife to return to her roots. He showed her what she is missing at a special 45th birthday party he threw for her, when he pushed her onstage to sing one of her favourite songs, ROBERTA FLACK ballad THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE. Washington says, "She wouldn't (sing) but the whole time I had Roberta Flack hiding in the hallway and she started singing it. Pauletta was floored." He adds, "I don't think she should sit around the house waiting for me. I respect the sacrifices she's made. I want her to do her thing."