Taking a STAND: Aretha vs. Beyonce

Stand, my first film, premieres this Sunday, May 24 on TV One at 9 p.m. ET/ PT (8 p.m. CT.)

In the summer of 2008, ten of my closest boys and I went on a one week journey throughout Memphis, TN. On a bus full of scholars, what do you think it is that we discussed? President Obama? Religion and philosophy? Nope.

Watch the film clip below of my boys, Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, debate who is a better singer of all generations between... guess who?

Aretha Franklin and Beyoncé Knowles.

Use the comments section below to et me know who you think. And don't forget to watch STAND, Sunday on TV One.

To see my earlier post on this film, click here.

Comments

[klandish]

That's an unfair comparison. Any one who has heard Aretha Franklin's Gospel double Album "Amazing Grace" knows who the best singer is. But please this is apples and oranges.

[Wanjiru]

...don't insult Aretha!...

.

[rich3324]

I got to go with my homegirl Aretha.

[DJCranky]

Beyonce has been ground through the star making machinery so thoroughly she is a complete blank - devoid of anything interesting or charismatic or real. Tavis, this is what you and pr-appointed "intellectual" friends talk about? I've lost a little r-e-s-p-e-c-t.

Have you heard "if I were a boy"? It sucks.

Have you heard Aretha sing the "Nessun dorma"? She stood in for Pavarotti. I'd like to see Beyonce do that!

[MusicFan4eva]

Actually Beyonce probably could do that(Have you heard Aretha sing the "Nessun dorma"? She stood in for Pavarotti. I'd like to see Beyonce do that!) being that she is a classically trained vocalist. A classically trained Mezzo Soprano.

One thing Beyonce is a true vocalist. When push come to shove, she is better at that then as a "performer". I know it is the "fad" to diss her but the woman is a talent.

[MusicFan4eva]

I think part of the problem with a debate like this, many times people of the older generation don't like to always give props to today's music. Especially contemporary music. For example, there are country fans that in the same kind of discussion of Reba vs. Carrie Underwood would have the same attitude that many of Beyoncé.

Now me, I love Aretha and Beyoncé. I feel Aretha is one of the top 5 female vocalist of the 20th-21st century. Great tone, great range, awesome at owning a song. Her voice is truly an instrument. But so is Beyoncé's voice. Someone mention that she can sing and dance extremely well and that's true but she really can sing. Do just about any genre, and at the least, it will be competent. She already has her own sound(retro 70s funk inspired music with big horns and lots of harmony: Think CIL as the perfect example) and she's an influence to many of today's artist.

I personally believe Bey could hang in any era like Michael Dyson said and I would LOVE to see her in the jazz era when it was truly big because she has great rhythm, impeccible pitch and her voice with instrumentation is like a match made in heaven IMO. I would not put her in the top 5, 15 or 50 but only because there have been a lot of great female vocalists in this century but for her generation, she is great, and she's timeless.

[tsanders726]

Beyonce wouldn't have gotten anywhere without the booty moves.. that's ALL she has going for her. There is no talent besides her pole dancing.

[djwfutbol]

Well, now I'm fired up. I need to go out and buy a bunch of albums. Anyone know a good record store? Oh, snap. Damn.

Is it too early to start drinking?

[givepeace05401]

I just watched Stand. Great job Mr. Smiley.

[avenue]

Beyonce's in her 20s, so it's way too early to put her up against Aretha or anyone of the sort.

People have to remember that this is new age. Video killed the radio star. Now, it's looks first, talent second. I think the reason that people navigate towards Beyonce so much is because she has a good combination of both. Plus, she seems to make the right decisions regarding her career (can't say the same for a lot of others).

Aretha is a legend - my favorite vocalist. She's been around for decades. So, it would be better to compare her against the artists from her era (although, I think she stands alone vocally.)

So, there's really no argument. On my iPod, you'll see both ladies.

[ItHadToBeSaid]

"Beyonce's in her 20s, so it's way too early to put her up against Aretha or anyone of the sort. "

WHAT DOES AGE HAVE TO DO WITH IT?!

Absolutely Nothing!! Talent is talent whether you're 17 or 77.
Now, I don't care much for Aretha OR Beyonce, but to all of the people who are saying Aretha wins hands down, I will take the YOUNGER and more soul--stirring:

Anita Baker
Alicia Keys
India Arie
Lalah Hathaway
Regina Belle

ANY day, ALL day.



Its not about age, its about who moves you.

[jesselee26]

age has tons and tons to do with it. of course age doesn't dictate talent. i don't think that's the point. but age gives beyonce one important advantage: she meets the only requirement for artist success these days... she's firm. i'm not saying she's not talented, but she's got youth and beauty on her side which one has to have to be heard these days.

on the other hand, age gives aretha two important advantages: firstly, she's had so much more time to amass a body of work and truly, a world of fans. but secondly, in all the years that she has been a vocalist, she's had time to really develop as an artist. in my personal opinion, i think she's arguably past her peak, because her weight seems to have really affected her breathing apparatus. but even so... you can't argue with all that soul.

[avenue]

Exactly, who moves YOU.

But when it comes to comparing legacy and impact, a rookie vs. a veteran is an unfair fight.

And lol @ Alicia being soul stirring.

[SallyMutant]

Oh dear, Etta JAMES. Damn my evil typing fingers and perhaps the folds of my neck!

[epiphany1234]

How come it's got to be either / or??? How come there isn't room for both Aretha & Beyonce?

[SallyMutant]

This is fun. But it's not fair to Beyonce. But of course it's Re. Does Beyonce give anyone chills?
It would be fairer if we were discussing the various strengths of Gladys Knight, Ruth Brown, Etta Janes and Re.
And it's fun that people are chiming in with best Jazz vocals. But of course it's Lady Day.
Best Blues? Bessie Smith, but one of my favorite "What if's" is what would we have now if Mahalia Jackson had embraced The Devil's Music.
Best Lady ever--Lady Day. Best Gentleman--Sam Cooke.,

[livemonster]

This is a subject? Beyonce is a barely black Madonna. And who needed a white one to begin with?
It's bad enough that Cheney still has air time, but let's not speak of the greats in the same breadth
with the hacks. Is it just that the country has become stupid?

[Furby]

Just in case the last question is not rhetorical, yes.

[canadagirl76]

While I will agree, there is room for both, this is no contest.
Aretha is head & shoulders above Beyoncee.
Sure Beyoncee is beautiful & has a nice voice, but she needs another few decades behind her before she can compete with Aretha. Unfortunately, in this day & age, it seems like once women are no longer young & firm, they are of no use to us. You can take all the voice lessons you want, but nothing beats 5 decades of experience.

[ramblin jack]

Dance pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee what does that have to moving someone with a song nothing.