The Replacements

Sorry, but I think Aretha Franklin has lost quite a few mphs on her fastball. Her rendition of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" at yesterday's inaguration was pretty mediocre, to be charitable.

Here's a short list of people I'd rather have seen perform at the inauguration instead of "The Queen of Soul" - I'll just assume that President Obama and Co. were looking for grown folks to handle this honor:

1. Gladys Knight

2. Chaka Khan

3. Roberta Flack

4. Patti LaBelle

5. Betty Wright

6. Mary J. Blige (Grudgingly)

7. Anita Baker (where is she?)

8. Chante Moore (she can invite Kenny, if she really wants to)

9. One of the Pointer Sisters

10. One of the Mary Jane Girls

But I guess I'll get to pick my own performers when I'm elected president someday. Yes I Can!