The last time I saw her, Aretha looked like ten lbs of sugar in a five lb sack.

Jobete is right--Aretha is all about Aretha and her maintaining her "crown." If you read any soul divas' memoirs, they will either not mention Aretha at all, mouth some inoffensive platitude towards her, or relate some nasty tale about her. I've yet to hear one positive thing about her, other than her obvious ability to sing.

The Eurythmics recorded a song with Aretha called Sisters Are Doing it For Themselves. Annie Lennox said Aretha was a much more "natural singer" [[than Annie), and Annie looked up to that innate ability. Which is probably why Aretha deigned to record with her.

Gladys Knight is no angel either. Love her voice, but can't stand the person.