Breaking News
Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin, Passes Away As Soap Stars & Fans Remember Her Love For Her Soaps: Y&R and B&B
The world continues to mourn the loss of the one and only, Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, who died this past Thursday at age 76. For some time, Aretha had been batting advanced pancreatic cancer. The voice that meant so much to so many, and inspired so many female vocalists of today can never be replaced, and her songs and performances will live on in our hearts forever.
Over the last few days, television news programs have brought to us some heartbreaking, emotional, and uplifting moments from her dear friends: the incomparable Stevie Wonder, who shed tears while speaking of Aretha on the CBS Morning News, and with whom he went to see shortly before she died, as well as Franklin’s longtime friend, Smoky Robinson, who spoke about his relationship with host Robin Roberts on Good Morning America.
This weekend, several tributes are on tap paying tribute to the mighty Franklin including those on TV One, and on OWN, with Oprah Winfrey’s Remembering Aretha Franklin: The Oprah Interview tonight at 8PMEST.
But daytime fans were clued in to the fact that Aretha had a passion for the soaps. She loved The Young and the Restless, and the character of Victor Newman (Eric Braeden). In fact, Aretha was thrilled to be asked to help introduce the Y&R Daytime Drama Series nomination clip package at the Daytime Emmys in 1997. She expressed why she was superfan of the show: “I watch it in the morning. I watch it when I’m at home. I watch it when I’m in concert. I watch it when I’m asleep … I watch it!” And one of the main reasons she loved Y&R, was Victor Newman: “Victor is one of my favorite characters in The Young and the Restless. I love the way he makes his approach to a woman. He’s the all-time player.” The ‘Queen of Soul’ even did her own impersonation of him.
At the 2005 Daytime Emmys, Aretha presented the Outstanding Drama Series Award alongside Eric Braeden. It was a thrill for her, and also notable for Braeden as he tweeted about his mishap where he accidentenly said, “God Bless, Eric Braeden,” when he meant to say, “God Bless, Bill Bell”.
Upon learning the news of Franklin’s passing, The Bold and the Beautiful’s Eva Basler (VP Communications for Bell-Phillip Productions and The Bold and the Beautiful) recalled on Twitter: “It was my first year at The Bold and the Beautiful & we were at rehearsals in NYC. Aretha Franklin was on stage & looked down to the floor & screamed, “RIDGE! THORNE!” excited to see them in the front row. Later, I had the honor of escorting Susan Flannery & her thru the gifting suite.”
The official show Twitter feed posted: “The cast & crew of The Bold and the Beautiful are sending prayers & good thoughts up to Aretha Franklin & her family. Some of our cast met The Queen of Soul, who is a huge fan of B&B, at Radio City Music in NYC Pictured here with Susan Flannery. We LOVE you Aretha!”
Throughout the last few days so many soap stars have posted their sadness on the loss of Franklin, and what she meant to their lives and to all of ours.
Now below, watch the two moments of Aretha’s from the Daytime Emmys were she talks her love of Y&R, and presents with Eric Braeden. Followed by the emotional interview with Stevie Wonder on the CBS This Morning and then Smokey Robinson’s remembrances.
Then let us know your thoughts on the passing of Aretha, your favorite song of hers, and how wonderful it was to know that this American treasure was actually a soap opera fan, just like so many of you via the comment section below.
I too was a lifelong fan of this wonderful artist. I have all of her 60s/70s Atlantic catalog CDs, favorites being LADY SOUL and SPIRIT IN THE DARK. Then in the 80s she started wowing us again with classics like FREEWAY OF LOVE and a stunning cover of JUMPING JACK FLASH. Certain people can be imitated but never replaced: Frank Sinatra, John Lennon, Barbra Streisand, Otis Redding, Joni Mitchell, Tony Bennett, and most certainly Aretha Franklin. She’ll be missed. But please, no more vocal tributes by talentless wannabes like Ariana Grande. It’s insulting.
I totally agree!!!
Soaphound…oh, I TOTALLY AGREE with you about that talentless Ariana Grande. I find her to be BEYOND ANNOYING!!!!!
Later.
Doesn’t it make you laugh, jaybird? It’s just another way for these oversized egos to make Aretha’s death “their moment”. Too bad they can’t imitate Aretha’s class, dignity, and originality rather than butchering her songs. Show a little genuine RESPECT. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Soaphound…EXACTLY!!!!! As far as I’m concerned, Ariana Grande’s brother Frankie (from his season of Big Brother) is just as annoying as his sister Ariana. BEYOND BLECH!!!!!
Later.
This is why my husband and I are into the “Golden Oldies”. Not our generation, I know, Soaphound and Jay…..but today’s music, with the exception of a select few, suc*s.
The 80’s gave birth to notable music……
We do like the 90’s metal, as well.
My faves are, in order: Freddie Mercury, Paul Rodgers, George Michael, Sebastian Bach….of course, Elvis and Aretha…..so many more; Gene Pitney, Del Shannon, Bobby Vee ….do not want to bore you guys, but you get the picture? The Rolling Stones, but not the Beetles too much. Is that weird? Not liking the Beetles much?? My grandmother was crazy about Paul. LOL.
All the Motown artists!!
BYE.
Celia, Rolling Stones AND Freddie Mercury AND Billy Miller…I knew we were kindred spirits. I admire some Beatles but, for some reason, their music depresses me. Always has and I’m not sure why. But the Stones? To me, GIMME SHELTER is the greatest rock record ever made, and some others are not far behind. I also love the singer/songwriter period of the early 70s. Joni Mitchell’s songs literally saved my life after a bad breakup, and I still listen to Carly Simon, Jennifer Warnes, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt regularly. And they produced great music for several decades. So hard to believe that 90 percent of today’s “legends” will be around in FIVE years. Love the Oldies, too, especially the AMERICAN GRAFFITI soundtrack.
Soaphound…to this day, my ALL-TIME FAVE Rolling Stones songs are Emotional Rescue, Harlem Shuffle and Waiting On A Friend. And…to me, the Stones’ music especially peaked (successfully and all) throughout the 1980’s…TOTALLY!!!!!
Later, Soaphound.
How about “Hang Fire,” Jaybird??? I remember that song oh so well from the summer of what, 1982??? Seemed to be playing at all the parties and teen hangouts I frequented during those halcyon days. And “She’s So Cold,” too, I think was from around the same time??? I was serenaded with that one by a particularly musical beau who had an impressive repertoire of sexy tunes! LOL.
Yeah, Soaphound….our Billy deserves someone who loves him as much as we do…
My Freddie died too young…..I was five when he died. Had I been old enough I would have sought him out, LOL.
Although he was bi, the love of his life was a woman….I read every piece of literature written…
The Stones….”Painted Black”…LOVE IT!!
As my husband, I love Aerosmith, as well.
My husband is from Boston and he worked his way through College, until Medical School, at a health food supermarket there, Bread And Circus— he met Steve Tyler, who frequented the store regularly ( Tyler is from Yonkers, NY, but has lived in Boston forever) and they would chit chat….guy stuff?
There is nothing today which can compare to the ‘oldies’—-I wonder if the 80’s and 90’s music now falls unto the category of “oldies”?
As Jay said, ROCK ON!!
❤️
As someone who remembers Aerosmith from their crazy, hazy days of rock and roll excess, the notion of Steven Tyler shopping in a health food store is a rather amusing one, to say the least! (I know he finally cleaned himself up, but still….Lol.) As for Freddie, bet you cannot wait to see “Bohemian Rhapsody!” Oh, and count me in as another not-so-much Beatles fan…there are a few songs of theirs I really fancy but beyond that, I can take them or leave them, although I always liked Ringo!!! (You’re Sixteen! It Don’t Come Easy….) So where have you been, CeeCeeGirl? Enjoying one last blast of the dwindling days of summer? Hope all is well….
HaHa, Shaybelle….that’s funny…Steve Tyler ( Tallarico) frequenting such a food store does throw one aback….he mainly bought organic, LOL.
As far as Freddie? You bet…can’t wait … I hope Malek does him justice.
I truly and sincerely have never loved ( imagine…postmortem) a celebrity, dead or alive this much. He was just so gripping….everything about him was raving mad ( in a good way, LOL)….I still watch his videos…mesmerizing!! I never tire….each time is brand new!! His moves, his voice, his stage presence was/is immeasurable and unparalleled.
I think Elvis, along with Michael Jackson and Prince had that “je ne sais quoi” intangible and innate quality only a few possess.
Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake come close.
Of course so many other singers ( talking strictly males here) have the ‘gift’, yet not all have ‘everything’ in one package.
BTW….I’ve been around….here, there and everywhere…since you asked, LOL. I am in and out….so much going on…my sister is about to give birth and she and her husband just bought a new house…..these two can never do one thing at a time….drives me nuts, LOL.
Anyway…Aretha is the female version of the above male singers. Every one of her songs is a hit for me…..great to dance to.
Oh, yeah…..what is going on with GH and the repeats? I tried catching up, but I got old shows….was good to see Dom, though….never thought I’d say this, but I miss him. Take Lulu instead, Ye gods!!
Hmmmm….
Bye, bella.
Celia…myself personally??? I’ve always been a BIG fam of music from the 70’s…and an EVEN BIGGER fan of music from the 1980’s (and the music videos that came with it)…and SOME of the music from the 90’s. Music memories…lol. Celia…you and your husband ROCK ON…TOTALLY!!!!!
Later, my friend.
Right, Jay? I remember you saying how much you love Joan Jett…..I love all that music…
I grew up with both my parents and grandparents listening to the genre of the time…..
My maternal grandparents have a an extensive collection of 45’s and albums…..love listening to them over and over….music has always been alive well in my family.
My husband is the son of Italian immigrants and experienced the same rearing…MUSIC EVERYWHERE– anytime…
I mentioned some of my faves….I forgot THE ANIMALS….” House of the Rising Sun”? Oh, my….what can I say!!!!
We have cookouts almost every weekend, when home.
We set up a makeshift stage and sing our hearts out….my husband is a really good singer…some of his faves are Aerosmith, ELO and the Steve Miller Band.
What’s life without music?
❤️
Celia…quick correction: Fan and not fam. Sorry about that. My bad.
Later, my friend.
R.I.P. Aretha Franklin. Listened to her greatest hits today. ” The moment I wake up/before I put on my make-up”…
RESPECT!
Rest In Peace Queen Of Soul. You will be truly missed. Amen.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T–love dancing to this ‘bestest’ song.
You got it, my lady…all my respect and love.
May your eternal repose be peaceful.
Condolence to the family. You lost a world’s treasure!!
Hey, CeeCeeGirl! Never followed this lady’s music all that much, but I still have to say that her “viewing” featuring her attired in a different snazzy ensemble each day and arriving in a classic LeSalle are truly special touches that even those of us not that into her tunes can “respect!” Aretha is going out in style!
Breaking News
George Cheeks, CBS President & CEO, on Timeline to Launch New Daytime Drama, ‘The Gates’: “We’re So Focused on Getting it Right”
March 2024 will be remembered in the TV and soap world when the news broke that CBS is prepping a brand new daytime drama. Many had thought a major network would never bring a new daytime soap into the world, given that the last time it was attempted was 25 years ago when the now defunct Passions bowed on NBC.
However, The Gates is definitely in development and moving forward with some major players associated with it including: Michele Val Jean as The Gates writer, showrunner and one of its executive producers, and Sheila Ducksworth from NAACP Venture
Now, for the first time since its announcement, George Cheeks, the president and CEO of CBS and chief content officer for news and sports at Paramount+, spoke on the project that will feature a Black family as its central focus who live in a wealthy gated community.
Speaking with Vulture, and when asked if The Gates is really something that truly has a chance of getting on the air, Cheeks clarified, “It’s super real. And just to give you a little bit of the backstory, when we hired Sheila Ducksworth to run the NAACP Venture, she and I had multiple meetings talking about what different genres she was going to lean into, and we talked a lot about daytime.”
Cheeks added, “One of the things that the data made very clear to both of us is that daytime soap operas over index with Black women, and yet when you look at soap operas, it’s usually sort of a white-led family with supporting characters that reflect more of our society. So we just thought, wouldn’t it be interesting to flip that and make the core anchor family a Black family, and then make the other characters reflect more the broader scope of society?”
The CEO gave props to Michele Val Jean, and how Ducksworth came to the table with the former B&B and GH writer. “She found this great writer, Michele Val Jean, who’s been in the soap opera space for 30 years. She came up with a pitch, and we loved it,” shares Cheeks. “We brought Procter & Gamble into it as well, because if there were going to be (product) integrations, we could do it more holistically and organically. All of that is to say, we did a lot of work on the front end to put this together. So while yes, it’s development, it’s accelerated development.”
When prodded on the timeline of when The Gates could come to full fruition, Gates related, “The actual timeline and when we’re going to do it is still uncertain, because we want to get this right. I mean, there hasn’t been a new soap opera launch since I can’t even begin to tell you when. But we have great success with Bold and the Beautiful and Young and the Restless, and so we think we’re the right folks to be launching a new soap. I wish I could tell you more about exact timing, but we’re so focused on getting it right, and that will dictate when we’re ready to launch it.”
The CBS exec also shared that whether The Gates will wind up an hour soap or half-hour is not yet determined, but that it is being developed as an hour show.
So, after reading what George Cheeks, the CBS President & CEO had to say about ‘The Gates’, are you even more excited for what looks to the first new network soap in 25 years? Comment below.
Breaking News
Robyn Bernard, ‘General Hospital’s’ Terry Brock, Dead at 64
Breaking News
51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Announce Broadcast Date on CBS
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Tuesday, that the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on Friday night, June 7th (8 – 10 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
This year will mark the 18th time CBS has broadcast the Daytime Emmy Awards, which is more than any other network.
The 2024 Daytime Emmys will take place at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles. Back in December of 2023, the delayed 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards were also held at that venue. The June 7th date for the upcoming ceremony will be the first time in several years that the event is scheduled a few weeks earlier than normal; excluding last year’s revised date to the actors and writers strikes.
Lifetime Achievement honoree, nominations, host, and additional information will be announced in the coming weeks.
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS noted, “We eagerly anticipate our return in June as we once again partner with CBS to recognize the exceptional and talented individuals who make daytime television great. We’re thrilled to kick off our second half-century of the Daytime Emmys.”
The Daytime Emmy Awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of categories, including daytime dramas, talk shows, instructional programming, hosting, culinary, and legal/courtroom programs. In 2021, NATAS and the Television Academy jointly announced plans to realign the Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards to be organized by content genre, as opposed to program airtime.
The 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will once again be produced by NATAS and Associated Television International (ATI), which produced Daytime Emmy Award ceremonies on The CW in 2009 and on CBS in 2010, 2011, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Adam Sharp and Lisa Armstrong are executive producers from NATAS, while David McKenzie is executive producer from ATI.
So, glad to know that the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards honoring performance and shows in the 2023 calendar year, will be held in early June this year, and once again broadcast on CBS? Comment below.
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