MICAH STAMPLEY: INVITED MUSICAL GUEST TO HONOR “QUEEN OF SOUL” AT UNCF’s AN EVENING OF STARS TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN

MICAH STAMPLEY: INVITED MUSICAL GUEST
TO HONOR “QUEEN OF SOUL” AT UNCF’s
AN EVENING OF STARS TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN

Additional Upcoming Television Performances on TBN Scheduled

Chart-topping gospel recording artist Micah Stampley, whose premier 2005 CD The Songbook of Micah, debuted as the second highest debut for a Male Gospel Artist in the history of Billboard and garnered him a double 2006 Stellar Award nomination in the “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “New Artist of the Year” categories has been invited to perform a musical selection to honor “the Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin on September 8, 2006 at An Evening of Stars Tribute to Aretha Franklin benefiting the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

Micah has been a long time fan of Ms. Franklin’s and it seems that Ms. Franklin has grown fond of the multi-octave singer’s music. When Aretha Franklin appeared on the March 27, 2006 Martha Stewart Show she was asked what music she listens to and she replied, “I’m listening to Micah Stampley.”

Subsequently, Micah was invited as a musical guest last month to Detroit's annual gospel Praisefest presented by Aretha Franklin.

Tuesday: The Rev. Jimmy Morton; Candi Staton; Beverly Crawford. Wednesday: Aretha Franklin; Bishop Paul Morton; Karen Clark-Sheard, the Rev. Michael Jamison and Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs. Thursday: Bishop Paul Morton; the Rev. Edgar Vann; Ortheia Barnes; Millie Scott. Friday: Aretha Franklin; Bobby Jones; the Rev. Donald Parsons.

Micah is in great company with a host of top music performers including

This three-hour television special will air on January 27 and 28, 2007 on NBC in New York and Los Angeles, BET, Super Station WGN-Chicago, and on major network stations in 25 other top Nielson markets covering 98% of the United States.

I was spending time with my kids in the park when Mrs. Franklin initially called me. I was in a state of shock! I mean, who in the world expect to receive a personal phone call from ARETHA FRANKLIN "THE QUEEN OF SOUL"? She wanted me to tell her all about my wife and children. You know? It was great filling her in on my family and letting

her get to know us on a personal level. The conversation went well. Then, she asked me about doing some things (possible engagements) with her. Again, I was honored and expressed it clearly, but I also knew that I couldn't do anything that would compromise my witness and my ministry. She totally understood and respected my position. So, when she asked me to come and minister at a annual revival that she sponsor in Detroit I was floored! Who would have ever thought I would be invited to an Aretha Franklin event? How about this; she didn't stop there. She asked me if I would be a part of a musical tribute to her at this years "Lou Rawls" UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND in Hollywood next month on September 8&9, 2006. Again, I told her that it would be an honor to be a part of this spectacular event. God is up to something and I'm just being obedient to His will and riding the wave! When I found out that she told Martha Stewart that I was in her CD player and that she was listening to my project on her way to The Martha Stewart Show I almost passed out. She told me that she was really blessed and that she was inspired by my ministry; I realize now more than ever that I have a responsibility to God to be real and live a lifestyle of sanctification. You'll never know who's watching or listening to you! On Friday, September 8th and Saturday, September 9th, 2006, the entertainment community will come together at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood to honor ARETHA FRANKLIN at the television taping of An Evening of Stars Tribute to Aretha Franklin benefiting the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The resulting three-hour television special will air on January 27/28, 2007 on NBC in New York and Los Angeles, BET, Super Station WGN-Chicago, and on major network stations in 25 other top Nielsen markets covering 98% of the U.S.

Previous honorees have been Lou Rawls (2004), Quincy Jones (2005) and Stevie Wonder (2006). By honoring Aretha Franklin, An Evening of Stars continues a tradition of celebrating great American entertainers for an important reason - to raise awareness and funds for minority higher education so that the next generation of leaders can step up and achieve greatness in the 21st Century.

As you may know, the Executive Producer and Director of An Evening of Stars is four-time Emmy Award-winning director Louis J. Horvitz, who has been at the helm of the UNCF's annual TV special for many, many years. In addition to directing The Academy Awards, Louis J. Horvitz also directs The Prime Time Emmy Awards, The Kennedy Center Honors, The American Film Institute (AFI) Tributes and numerous other high-profile programs. What this means is An Evening of Stars is a World Class television event.

On behalf of the UNCF and Mr. Horvitz, we're writing to invite you to perform at this spectacular celebration of Ms. Franklin, in the Jazz portion of our special. You are invited to participate on either night (Sept. 8th or 9th), depending on your schedule. As a Performer, you will have an opportunity to sing one of your favorite Aretha Franklin songs to the honoree, express your love, appreciation and congratulations on this special occasion, and encourage others to support the UNCF's vital mission.

As in past years, performers will be backed by an all-star house band under the direction of Mr. Rickey Minor, so you can rest assured that you will be in superb hands. Rickey will be available to help in the selection of material from a master list of memorable songs from Aretha's extensive discography.

We hope you will want to honor Aretha Franklin and the United Negro College Fund with your participation in An Evening of Stars Tribute to Aretha Franklin. Your presence will mean a great deal to Ms. Franklin and to all of us.

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