Aretha Franklin lip-synched national anthem, producer says

Friday, June 18th 2004, 10:21 am

By: News On 6

DETROIT (AP) _ Aretha Franklin's performance of the national anthem before the decisive Game 5 of the NBA Finals was pre-recorded and lip-synched, one of the Queen of Soul's producers said.

``We recorded vocals for Aretha Franklin last year at her house, in her vestibule,'' producer Brian Pastoria told the Detroit Free Press for a Friday story. ``One of the things we recorded was the national anthem _ the one that was played at the Palace on Tuesday night.''

A representative for Franklin did not immediately return a message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Detroit Pistons spokesman Matt Dobek, who initially asserted that Franklin sang live, said Thursday he was mistaken.

``I was unaware,'' he said. ``She did something I did not know about.''

The Pistons went on to beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 100-87, and win the NBA championship at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

``The Star-Spangled Banner'' was among the final tracks recorded at the 62-year-old singer's Bloomfield Hills home at extensive sessions that included her latest album and a rendition of ``Amazing Grace'' for the funeral of Whitney Houston's father.