Long Live Aretha Franklin

This week we lost the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin — although she was so much more than that — and so I thought I’d pay tribute to her by giving you the rundown of her time in New York. 

Yes, she was born in Memphis, Tennessee and grew up in Detroit, where she passed away last week Thursday, after suffering from pancreatic cancer. But it's in New York, where she recorded so many of her hit songs, and showed the world her incredible voice. 

Here's The Rundown of Aretha Franklin's NYC:

Also, here's Gerald Fraser's NYT report on the 1971 concert Franklin performed at the Apollo.

Now, she truly is home. Rest in peace, Aretha Franklin.

The Rundown with Karla and James

James and Karla Murray have been photographing shopfronts and store signs for over 20 years. I met them at an exhibition of their latest work, "Storefront: The Disappearing Face of New York," which chronicles some of the long-gone shops of New York City. 

I've been following their Instagram for a while now, and so it was great to be able to meet James and Karla -- and their dog, Hudson -- in person. Like James and Karla, I'm saddened by the numerous stores that close down in New York. With each one that shuts down, the city seems to lose more of its character. 

So I went for a run with Karla and Hudson (with camera-shy James not too far behind) as she showed me a few of the mom 'n pops stores still standing in the East Village and the Lower East Side. While they appreciate the city with their cameras, I like to think of myself as appreciating it through every step I take running past its buildings. 

Here's the route we ran:

You can find James and Karla here. 

Also, if you're in NYC, be sure to check out their Seward Park Mom & Pop's of the LES installation.

Any particular places that have shut down in NY that you miss? Let me know!

What's happening here?

Is The Rundown an entertainment site seen through the prism of running?

Or is The Rundown a wellness/health site with entertainment crossover?

Or is The Rundown a travel site with bonus running stories and special celebrity cameo appearances?

Or, you know, neither of these things, and all of these things at once. How about The Rundown is just me and my loves coming together?

I think so. Let's run with it.