So, exactly how did [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]ARETHA FRANKLIN[/lastfm] lose 100 pounds? She’s not saying a word about it, but Star magazine asked weight-loss experts what they thought. One said the Queen of Soul probably had a gastric bypass or Lap-Band surgery. That would explain why she was in the hospital. Another expert said Aretha may have been put on a 1,200-calories-a-day diet. Either way, she went from well over 300 pounds to just under 200 and looks great.

For fun, here’s a fantastic video of Aretha with Sammy Davis Jr. in 1968, singing a soul medley including RESPECT and THINK!   Just a little fuzzy, but great fun!  ~JZ.