Aretha Franklin to release her first Christmas album

Aretha Franklin has been making records for 50 years, but the Queen of Soul’s reign is far from over. At 66, she still performs regularly, has her own label, is executive-producing a biopic based on her autobiography and just released her first Christmas album, “This Christmas” (a Borders/Waldenbooks exclusive). We caught up with her on the phone before a concert in Worcester, Mass.

Q. After all this time, why a Christmas album now?

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Aretha Franklin performs in Aug. 2007. This year, Franklin will release her first Christmas album.

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A. I’ve never had one. … I did do one or two things at Columbia. But they always said, “Oh, well, Christmas albums really don’t sell.” That was their attitude. And I always thought that … having a Christmas offering was very important because it’s such a special time of the year. … It celebrates the birth of Christ and the Nativity and all of that.

Q. How do you feel about your voice these days? At a concert at Wolf Trap (in Virginia) last summer you said, “If I don’t hit the highest plateau, just imagine it.”

A. (Laughs.) Just fabulous. I’m very, very happy with it at this point. Very happy.

Q. There’s a big trend these days to use auto-tuned vocals. What do you think about that?

A. The what?

Q. Auto-tuned vocals — it’s a way to digitally correct pitch.

A. I’ve never heard of that! I’ve never even heard of that. No, I come from the old school where you do it yourself.

Q. It’s not all about perfect form, right? I mean, it’s Queen of Soul, not Queen of Perfect Pitch.

A. Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.

Q. For every young, up-and-coming R&B star, you’re the benchmark with whom they are always compared. How does that feel?

A. I think that’s fabulous. I think that’s really fabulous. I appreciate it. I’m honored that I’m held in that esteem.

Q. What’s with your purse?

A. (Laughs.) It’s like “Peanuts,” right? My security blanket. No, I just choose to keep it with me. Ladies always keep up with their purses!