Aretha Franklin

With all the fuss over the nuptials of Charles and Camilla, it's easy to forget that one of the longest royal reigns in recent times belongs not to the monarchy, but to music, or namely, Lady Soul -- the undisputed queen of R&B, Aretha Franklin. The first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, she has held the throne throughout a 40-year dynasty that stretches from her gospel roots to contemporary classics. Whether she's belting out crown jewels such as "Respect," "Think," and "Chain of Fools" or adding sizzle to a standard, her riveting presence and soulful authority prove that she still rules. Catch Aretha's command performance this weekend, and you'll discover ample evidence that this lady deserves that respect. Aretha Franklin performs at 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 22, at Mizner Park Amphitheater, 433 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Tickets range from $43 to $75. Call 561-750-1668.