CeCe Teneal’s “Divas of Soul” Reignites the Power of Aretha, Tina, and Chaka for a New Generation

When CeCe Teneal walks into a room, the vibe shifts. It’s not just her voice—though that alone could shake a mountain—it’s the energy, that mix of reverence and rebellion that defines true soul. With her new show, Divas of Soul, Teneal isn’t just performing the classics; she’s resurrecting the legends who made them immortal.

From Aretha Franklin’s “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” to Tina Turner’s “River Deep, Mountain High” and Gladys Knight’s “Midnight Train to Georgia,” this show is a full-blown celebration of the women who built the foundation of modern music. And Teneal, who has wowed audiences around the world, brings that fire straight to Chicago—a city with its own deep, unshakable soul.

“This show is about connection,” CeCe tells Rolling Stone. “It’s about breaking down barriers—generations, backgrounds, whatever—and just feeling the music together. That’s the real power of soul.”

Between rehearsals, she’s been exploring Chicago’s culinary corners, vibing with local talent, and soaking up inspiration from the city’s creative pulse. “Everywhere you go here, somebody’s cooking, singing, or dreaming,” she says. “That’s what I love about it—community. That’s what keeps the music alive.”

When the lights dim and the first note hits, it’s more than nostalgia—it’s resurrection. CeCe Teneal doesn’t just perform these songs; she channels the spirit behind them, pulling the audience into a kind of musical communion that blurs the line between past and present.

Because in the world of CeCe Teneal, soul isn’t an era. It’s a heartbeat that never stopped. Catch the show this weekend at The Center for Performing Arts.

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