PHOTO CREDIT: Nicholas Hunt/WireImage (Courtesy of TV One)
As the world mourns the tremendous loss of American treasure Aretha Franklin, the music legend, Civil Rights champion and renowned 'Queen of Soul,' Urban One announces plans to honor her life, legacy and impact on humanity with special encore presentations of interviews and news specials on TV One, special digital content across Interactive One sites and all REACH Media and Radio One stations, hosts, shows and sites.
Below is the TV One programming lineup for Aretha Franklin's tribute starting tonight:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18
TV One on One: Aretha Franklin (11 a.m. ET/10 C)
Aretha: Frankly Speaking (12 p.m. ET/11 C)
URBAN ONE FOUNDER AND CHAIRPERSON CATHY HUGHES HONORS AND REMEMBERS THE LEGACY OF HER FRIEND, ARETHA FRANKLIN
Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc., Cathy Hughes, a radio legend and close friend to Aretha Franklin who worked with and interviewed Franklin many times over the years, issued a statement of her sincerest condolences to Franklin's family, friends and colleagues upon receiving news of Franklin's passing.
Below are excerpts from Hughes' statement, click here to view in it's entirety.
(From Left to Right) Media maven, Cathy Hughes and the "Queen Of Soul"
Aretha Franklin during the taping of TV One On One. (Courtesy of TV One)
"Today I join my community, my industry and the world in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of my dear sister, friend, and ally, Aretha Franklin. I send my love and offer prayers of grace and peace to the members of her family, her friends and colleagues who walked alongside her and shared her with tens of millions of fans around the world.
I have so many fond memories of Aretha. Throughout her career, I was blessed to share her music and her iconic story. I am humbled to have been a part of her journey and to have served as an eyewitness to the evolution of her artistry and the formation of her legacy.
Like many of our musicians, Aretha's musical roots are embedded in the black church, and gospel music was at her core. Her talent transcended genres and not only earned her the title of the "Queen of Soul" but also the distinction of being the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And while many will remember her for all of the titles she has received, I
believe, Aretha Franklin, in her own words, said it best,'being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that.'
And Aretha Franklin, so are we. Rest in peace my sister."
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING CLIPS FROM TV ONE ON ONE WITH CATHY HUGHES: ARETHA FRANKLIN
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'Queen Of Soul' Aretha Franklin Passes Away at 76
TV One continues its commitment to honoring the legacy of notable African Americans. The network will honor the musical genius by sharing top responses from social media on its website (www.tvone.tv). TV One viewers can join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using #RIPARETHAFRANKLIN and #REPRESENT
ABOUT URBAN ONE
Urban One, Inc. (urban1.com), formerly known as Radio One, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, is the largest diversified media company that primarily targets Black Americans and urban consumers in the United States. The Company owns TV One, LLC (tvone.tv), a television network serving more than 59 million households, offering a broad range of original programming, classic series and movies designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult Black viewers. As one of the nation's largest radio broadcasting companies, Urban One currently owns and/or operates 57 broadcast stations in 15 urban markets in the United States. Through its controlling interest in Reach Media, Inc. (blackamericaweb.com), the Company also operates syndicated programming including the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Russ Parr Morning Show, Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Get up Morning! with Erica Campbell, DL Hughley Show, Ed Lover Show, Willie Moore Jr Show, Nightly Spirit with Darlene McCoy Reverend Al Sharpton Show. In addition to its radio and television broadcast assets, Urban One owns iOne Digital (ionedigital.com), the largest digital resource for urban enthusiasts and Blacks, reaching millions each month through its Cassius and BHM Digital platforms. Additionally, One Solution, the Company's branded content agency and studio combines the dynamics of the Urban One's holdings to provide brands with an integrated and effectively engaging marketing approach that reaches 82% of Black Americans throughout
the country.
ABOUT TV ONE
Launched in January 2004, TV One serves 59 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies and music designed to entertain and inform a diverse audience of adult black viewers. The network represents the best in black culture and entertainment with fan favorite shows Uncensored, Unsung, Rickey Smiley For Real, Fatal Attraction and The NAACP Image Awards. In addition, TV One is the cable home of blockbuster drama Empire, and NewsOne Now, the only live daily news program dedicated to black viewers. In December 2008, the company launched TV OneHigh Def, which now serves 14 million households. TV One is solely owned by Urban One, Inc., formerly known as Radio One, Inc. [NASDAQ: UONE and UONEK, www.urban1.com], the largest African-American owned multi-media company primarily targeting Black and urban audiences