A poet-novelist who knew the Queen of Soul as a teenager looks back at the forces and influences that shaped one of the world's greatest singers.
Current News & Politics
Joe Biden steps up for Obama The energized vice-presidential candidate uses Saturday's rally to chain John McCain to George W. Bush and propel the Democratic ticket toward the convention. By Mike Madden
Nobody's yes man By picking Joseph Biden as his running mate, Barack Obama chooses experience over hope. By Walter Shapiro
GOP: Here's to Hillary's big party! Nothing would delight Republicans more than for the Clintons to upstage Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention. By Walter Shapiro
