Introduction
Aretha Franklin – the Queen of Soul –died at age 76 on Aug. 16, 2018. Take a look back at her life and career in photos.
Cologne Recording (1968)
Aretha Franklin in rehearsals at a Cologne studio for a European TV show.
Boston Performance (1969)
Franklin performs in Boston, Massachusetts in 1969.
London Palladium – 1970
Aretha Franklin photographed backstage at the London Palladium in England in 1970.
Aretha Franklin Arrest (1971)
Franklin is taken into custody by a policeman at the airport in Rome, when airport officials prevented the singer from flying following a complaint by an Italian organizer for a breach of contract after she canceled a show in 1971.
Grammys (1972)
Aretha Franklin holds her Grammy Award trophy for Best Rhythm and Blues performance of the song “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”
Academy Awards (1975)
Aretha Franklin performs “Wherever Love Takes Me” from “Gold” during the 47th Academy Awards.
‘The Blues Brothers’ (1980)
Franklin co-starred with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in the 1980 classic film “The Blues Brothers.”
The Greek Theatre (1981)
Magic Johnson plants a smooch on Aretha Franklin backstage at the Greek Theater, where guitarist George Benson was performing.
American Music Award (1983)
Aretha Franklin holds up her heels and her award for favorite soul album for “Jump To It” at theAmerican Music Awards.
Aretha Franklin and James Brown (1987)
James Brown and Franklin performed during an HBO taping at the Taboo nightclub in Detroit in 1987.
Aretha Franklin and George Michael (1988)
Franklin joined George Michael on stage during his Faith World Tour at the Palace of Auburn Hills in 1988. The duo sang their Grammy-winning hit “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).”
Clinton Inauguration (1993)
Aretha Franklin sings in front of the Lincoln Memorial for President Clinton’s inaugural gala.
‘Aretha Franklin: Duets’ (1993)
Aretha brought down the house during “Aretha Franklin: Duets,” a 1993 AIDS benefit concert in New York. Proceeds from the concert went to the Gay Men’s Health Crisis.
Kennedy Center Honors (1994)
Aretha Franklin is honored by President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton at the the reception in the East Room of the White House. Franklin was awarded theKennedy Center Honors Award along with Kirk Douglas, Morton Gould, Harold Prince, and Pete Seeger.
The Cancer March (1998)
Franklin dances on stage during the first annual march on cancer in Washington D.C. The charity event drew thousands of cancer survivors, patients, and loved ones to the National Mall for a day of remembrance, celebration and hope.
‘The Blues Brothers 2000’ (1998)
Franklin reprised her role ofMrs. Murphy in the sequel to the original “Blues Brothers” comedy-musical.
Olympic Torch Bearer (2002)
Aretha Franklin lights the 2002 Olympic torch in Detroit.
Tony Awards (2005)
Tony Award host Hugh Jackman sang with Aretha Franklin at the 2005 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall.
Super Bowl XL (2006)
Stevie Wonder gives Aretha Franklin a kiss during a press conference for Super Bowl XL at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan.
Super Bowl XL (2006)
Franklin belted the national anthem before the Super Bowl XL football gamein Detroiton Feb. 5, 2006.
Radio City Music Hall (2008)
Franklin performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The concert was the first of two sold-out shows in March of 2008.
Inauguration (2009)
The hat that launched a thousand memes. Franklin performed at President Obama’s 2009 inauguration. Her singing cut through the cold and caused many tears throughout the crowds.
Mandela Day Concert Performance (2009)
Numerous stars turned out in New York to take part in a concert to celebrate the 91st birthday of Nelson Mandela. The tribute, which took place at Radio City Music Hall, was hosted by Whoopi Goldberg. Some celebs who performed included Aretha Franklin, Wyclef Jean, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Will.I.Am, Lil’ Kim, and Josh Groban.
“Aretha: A Woman Falling out of Love” Teaser (2010)
Aretha Franklin previewed songs from her 2010 album in Detroit. Titled “Aretha: A Woman Falling Out of Love,” many of the tracks were were written and produced by Franklin herself.
The Obamas and Aretha Franklin (2011)
Franklin sang for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington D.C. in 2011.
‘The Tonight Show’ (2011)
Franklin performed “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” on “The Tonight Show” in 2011.
72nd Birthday Celebration (2014)
Franklin and Denzel Washington at her 72nd birthday celebration in New York on March 22, 2014.
Harvard Commencement (2014)
Franklin was presented with an honorary Harvard University Doctor of Arts degree at Harvard’s commencement ceremonies onMay 29, 2014.
Eric Holder Portrait Unveiling Ceremony (2015)
Barack Obama and Franklin shared a laugh at the Eric Holder portrait unveiling ceremony at the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. in 2015.
International Jazz Day (2016)
Aretha Franklin performs at the International Jazz Day Concert on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington.
Tribeca Film Festival Opening Night (2017)
Franklin performed at the “Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives” premiere during the opening night of the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on April 19, 2017.
Tribeca Film Festival Opening Night Party (2017)
Franklin and Clive Davis at the Tribeca Film Festival opening night party in New York.
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts (2017)
Franklin dazzled in concert at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia on Aug. 26, 2017.
Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala (2017)
Franklin tearfully performed during the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York on Nov. 7, 2017.
