Jazz Fest producer Quint Davis said Aretha Franklin's activities surrounding President Barack Obama's inauguration, scheduling and travel issues led to the cancellation.
She decided not to do any more work for a while and we honor that," Davis said. But, we definitely told her we want her next year. She's made it clear that New Orleans and the festival are important and that she would like to be a part of this and raising the spirit of New Orleans."
But landing Young was something organizers had been trying to do for years, Davis said after Wednesday's announcement. The rocker joins other first-timers Bon Jovi and Grammy winners Sugarland and Kings of Leon. Davis said it's important for the festival, in its 40th year, to remain relevant and exciting.
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