“As we celebrate the milestones of 50 years for The Recording Academy and the Grammy Awards, it is most fitting that we honor one of the most influential and legendary talents in music, the incomparable Aretha Franklin,” said Neil Portnow, president of the MusiCares Foundation and The Recording Academy.

The dinner show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, raised $4.5 million for musicians in need.

Music industry people, and not only came to pay a tribute and to express the respect to the Queen of Soul. Performers like John Legend, Lil Mama, Corrinne Bailey Rae, gospel singer Shirley Caesar, Fantasia, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Patti Austin, Herbie Hancock and Roy Hargrove were among those who performed Aretha Franklin’s biggest hits.

Patti Austin performed “I Say a little Prayer,” which included a piano solo by Hancock and Hargrove on Trumpet. Lil Mama did a rap version of  “Respect,” while Aretha 1973-hit “Angel” was interpreted by the British singer Corrine Bailey Rae, who accompanied herself on guitar. Fantasia sang “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.” Ledisi performed “Rock Steady”. Carmen Carter performed “Think” accompanied by Dave Koz on saxophone. John Legend played the piano and sang “Day Dreaming”.

Important music industry producers like Clive Davis, Quincy Jones and Berry Gordy were in the audience. Actors Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Blair Underwood and John Stamos attended the show.

The final act of the evening belonged to Aretha Franklin. Her performance was received with a standing ovation. The audience was delighted to listen to her classic hit “Chain of Fools” and her new single from her upcoming CD “A Woman Falling Out of Love”.

Aretha is nominated for her 18^th Grammy for gospel performance for a duet with Mary J. Blige.  The show will air live Sunday from Staples Center.