ARETHA From These Roots

Aretha Franklin co-authors this chronicle that lets listeners peek into the life of one of the most influential female musicians of our day. Once a choir member in her father's Detroit church, Aretha went on to become the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The reedy-voiced Ann Duquesnay expertly portrays the struggles and victories Franklin faced along that path. There are moments when it sounds as though Duquesnay might even be imitating the velvety lilt we all recognize in Franklin's voice. This is just an added treat to Duquesnay's consistent and passionate delivery. R.A.P. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 00]