Soul Fixin'

Obama Disappoints With Latest Pick
Rarely do I disagree with President-elect Barack Obama. He is responsible for making astute decisions throughout the campaign and during the current transition phrase. In the weeks that followed his historic victory, Obama has appointed numerous 'Clintonites' to key positions within his cabinet. It has now been announced that a favorite of the Clinton White House will lend her voice to Barack Obama’s historical inaugural swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20.  Aretha Franklin, that is. The 'Queen of Soul' performed at two Clinton inaugural balls, entertained in the Rose  Garden and received the illustrious Kennedy Center honor. In 1999, she was awarded The National Medal of Arts by President Clinton.Sister ReRe is a living legend, her career has been marked by a slew of achievements, acclaim, and milestones. Aretha has won an astonishing 20 Grammy Awards including the Living Legend Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. The Memphis born- Detroit raised, gospel bred singer was the first black woman to grace the cover of Time magazine and she was the first female to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Without a doubt, Aretha is worthy of sharing the national stage with Obama. While we all love us some 'Retha, I was hoping Team Obama would pick a performer that mirrored Obama's campaign; young, fresh, innovative, ground-breaking, and energetic. Jill Scott immediately comes to mind. Chrisette Michele and Ledisi fit the bill. Other emerging acts and established soul singers such as Raheem DeVaughn, India Arie, John Legend, and Anthony Hamilton are suitable picks. Needless to say, this blogger is a little disappointed with Obama's selection of Soul Singer -In- Chief, if you will.