Aretha Franklin Readies New Album with Faith Hill, Gospel Stars

(andPOP) - Superstar singers are showing their Respect for Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin as she readies her new album. "Aretha: Falling Out Of Love" is expected to hit store shelves in early 2007 and will feature guest appearances by gospel stars Shirley Ceasar, Karen Clark-Sheard and the Clark Sisters, and country diva Faith Hill.

Franklin says the new album is "the real deal." She co-produced it with Michael Powell, who has worked with the singing legend before. They co-wrote the songs on the new album along with songwriters Gordon Chambers and Troy Taylor.

Although Hill recorded her parts for the record separately, Franklin had nothing but great things to say about the blonde bombshell. She told Billboard.com that Hill "was fabulous, just fabulous. She's a very nice lady."

Franklin's duet with Mary J. Blige "Never Gonna Break My Faith" is currently up for a Golden Globe for best original song in a motion picture. Co-written by Bryan Adams, the song is featured on the soundtrack for the Miramax film "Bobby."