ARETHA FRANKLIN News: Aretha forced to turn down university honour - Music-News.com

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ARETHA FRANKLIN left hundreds of students disappointed when she cancelled her appearance at a university graduation ceremony.

The legendary soul diva was due to perform at a commencement ceremony at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island on Sunday.

She was to receive an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the Ivy League university, but was forced to pull out due to a family emergency.

The university issued a statement that read: 'The entire campus community -- especially the graduating Class of 2009 -- will miss the opportunity to honor Ms. Franklin and the remarkable music she has created during her long career.

"We wish...