NEW YORK – Aretha Franklin gave a holiday benefit concert for members of the military Sunday night.

The Queen of Soul performed “New York, New York,” a medley of military tunes and her classic “Respect” at the Nokia Theatre after missing a Times Square award presentation hours earlier.

In a statement, Franklin said: “Due to a lack of information given to me by the appropriate people, I was not there. However, in concert I met some of these valiant and courageous young men and women for photo ops and autographs. The concert was a smashing success and everything that I wanted it to be for them. I have the highest respect and regard for the men and women of the Armed Forces.”

The award was given by the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club.

The evening concert was sponsored by the club and NewYork.com, an online compendium of entertainment and tourist information.