NAMES IN THE NEWS : Aretha Motors Out of Motown

Singer Aretha Franklin is afraid to fly, but she still travels in style. Franklin is taking a customized motor home from her headquarters in Detroit to New York for a show this week at Radio City Music Hall and will be watching fashion videos on the 12-hour trip.

“We’re going to view several designer fashion shows while we’re on the road, including clothes by Bill Blass and Carolyn Roehm,” Franklin told the New York Post. “This way I can shop and have fun at the same time. Next year I plan to design my own wardrobe.” Franklin plans to record with Luther Vandross while she’s in New York and also is considering plans for a television sitcom and a weekly variety show.