Aretha Franklin to Host PBS Soul Special; Soul Train DVD Set Coming

Aretha Franklin will serve as host of an upcoming PBS pledge drive special called Aretha Franklin Presents Soul Rewind.  The special, which premieres July 31st and will air throughout August and September, features the Queen of Soul presenting long-lost archival film footage of performers like Ben E. King, Percy Sledge, The Miracles, Martha & The Vandellas, and Aretha herself.  Many of the performances have only been seen overseas, in Germany, Japan and the UK.

In other soul music video news, Billboard reports that a three-DVD set, The Best of Soul Train, will arrive August 31st. Marking the 40th anniversary of the legendary dance series, the eight-hour package features 50 exclusive performances from Aretha Franklin, The Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, Barry White and Marvin Gaye.  Some of the performances haven't been seen in over 30 years.  There's also three hours of bonus material.

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