Soul legend inspired by broken heart

Aretha Franklin’s new album was inspired by a broken relationship.

The Queen of Soul offered a preview of several songs from her forthcoming album, 'Aretha: A Woman Falling out of Love', in a downtown Detroit restaurant.

She wrote and produced a few of the songs and is executive producer of the album that’s expected to be released in late March.

She said the collection of a dozen songs was inspired by a relationship she was in a few years ago, which “before you know it, it became' Aretha, a woman falling out of love'.”

She held court at a “high tea listening party” for family, friends, reporters and local dignitaries.

One track planned for the album features a recitation by actor Billy Dee Williams that she says is “sizzling.”