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Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and soul superstar Aretha Franklin took to the stage at Philadelphia's Mann Music Centre for a duet on Tuesday. Image Credit: AP

Philadelphia: Condoleezza Rice is no stranger to the whims of royalty. So when the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, decided the two should get together to play a song or two for charity, it was decreed.

The former US secretary of state and Franklin took the stage at Philadelphia's Mann Music Center in a rare duet for Rice, the classically trained pianist, and Franklin.

Their aim was to raise money for urban children and awareness for music and the arts.

Their three-hour concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra overflowed with Franklin's catalog of hits and arias from the world of opera and classical music.

Rice, better known as a diplomat and national security adviser, accompanied Franklin singing her hit I Say A Little Prayer as well as My Country 'Tis of Thee.
 

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Rice, a classically trained pianist, performed at the event with the aim to raise money for urban children and awareness for music and the arts. Image Credit: AP
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Franklin sang her hit I Say A Little Prayer as well as My Country 'Tis of Thee. Image Credit: AFP
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Their three-hour concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra overflowed with Franklin's catalogue of hits and arias from the world of opera and classical music. Image Credit: AP
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