Grammy nominated singer/songwriter/pianist Sheléa will star in a new PBS special titled “Aretha! With Sheléa and The Pacific Symphony” premiering on PBS stations beginning Friday, May 30 (check local listings). The televised tribute to the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, is part of special programming and will also be available for free streaming on PBS.org and the PBS App through July 14.
Additionally, Sheléa will release her new Aretha Franklin-inspired self-penned song, “Never Give Up On Love,” which drops on April 25 on all streaming platforms. “Never Give Up On Love” is the first of new originals that the singer/songwriter has written and recorded for release this year. “I wrote ‘Never Give Up On Love’ for those who are losing faith in finding love,” says Sheléa. “It comes when you least expect it.”
Fresh off performing as Stevie Wonder’s “Special Guest” on his 2024 “Sing Your Song!” tour, Sheléa taped “Aretha! With Sheléa and The Pacific Symphony” on November 9, 2024, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California.
In the special conducted by Emmy Award-winning Music Director Rickey Minor, Sheléa performs Franklin classics with the Pacific Symphony and a choir of backup singers including “Chain of Fools,” “Say A Little Prayer,” “Respect” and “Natural Woman.” Other performances in the concert include “Until You Come Back to Me,” “Don’t Play That Song,” “Somewhere,” “Rock Steady,” “Sparkle,” “I Knew You Were Waiting” (duet with Stevie Mackey), “Amazing Grace” and “Precious Memories.”
An extended version of “Aretha! With Sheléa and The Pacific Symphony” will also be available with PBS Passport.