Portrait of Aretha: CeCe Teneal Celebrates the Queen of Soul

Join CeCe Teneal for a celebration of the legendary Aretha Franklin’s music in Hoover Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1.

In “Portrait of Aretha,” Teneal honors the legacy of the Queen of Soul with personalized interpretations of both popular and lesser-known songs from the 18-time Grammy Award winner’s 50-year career, including “Chain of Fools,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Rock Steady” and “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do).”

Teneal has brought her music to over 47 countries as the opening act for Buddy Guy, Joe Cocker, B.B. King and many others.

She never envisioned herself as a performer, but having inherited her voice from her mother, the universe had a different plan. Teneal has been nominated for four Independent Music Awards and claimed the title of 2011 Best Gospel Song (“I Heard You Prayin’“) and 2011 Best R&B Album (Train from Osteen), as well as 2018 Best Soul/Funk/Fusion Song (“Danger”).

Other accolades include the 2008-2010 Orlando Best Live Band, the 2017 Orlando Music Trailblazer Award, and the honor of being chosen as the halftime headliner for the 2019 Citrus Bowl.

In 2022, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings proclaimed Sept. 17 as the Annual Cece Teneal Day in Orlando and Orange County to celebrate her 20 years of arts and entertainment contributions.

In 2023, Teneal was honored by the NBA’s Orlando Magic as a Diversity Game Changer for her philanthropic work in Central Florida.