American Masters

Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul

In 1987, singer Aretha Franklin became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This was a testament to her impact on the music world over the course of her long and exciting career. From her teenage days singing gospel in her father’s church to her ascendancy to rock and roll royalty, “The Queen of Soul” has expressed a passion and intensity that has never failed.

50 Years of Aretha Franklin's "Respect"

2m 26s

When Aretha Franklin re-recorded Otis Redding's "Respect," she created not only a classic Soul hit, but also an anthem for the feminist and civil rights movements.

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