The December 2010 release of “Love Letter” marked R. Kelly’s tenth studio album and his solidified placement as “The King of R&B”. The classically soulful disc—a welcomed departure from his typical baby making fare—paid homage to the sounds of 60’s and 70’s, pulling inspiration from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and most notably, Sam Cooke.

The spirit of Cooke, who died in 1964 (three years before Kelly was born), could be found in the sensual lead single, “When A Woman Loves”. A power ballad filled with the raw emotion that made Cooke a legend well past his death.

In celebration of the late singer, R. Kelly held a special concert where he performed some of Cooke’s greatest hits. Set to air this Saturday at 10pm/est, the special is a must see for R. Kelly lovers and connoisseurs of soul music.

Leading up to that presentation, catch special blocks of “Retro Centric” (8am/est) and “Centric Hits” (9am/est)featuring the music of Kelly (old and new) and those of artists he has written and produced for. Not to mention an appearence on “The Hot 10″, live from his Chocolate Factory studio in Chicago; his rousing performance on the 2010 Soul Train Awards (11am/est) and the original Centric documentary, “Inside: R. Kelly” (3pm/est).

The jammed packed weekend will also feature new documentaries and music specials: “The One8 Project: Hands Across The World” (2pm/est) and “R. Kelly: Light it Up”, showcasing his 2008 tour of the same name and of course his the infamous “Trapped in the Closet” movie.

For more info check out the Centric Show Guide

TAGS: INSIDE: R KELLY, R. KELLY, Sam Cooke, Soul Train Awards 2010, The Hot 10