Very few artists have impacted music like the "Queen of Soul." Here is a showcase of some rare and classic live performances: full of her heartfelt understanding of humanity, soaring vocals, and transformative anthems of empowerment. Somehow, seems particularly appropriate today.
Never Grow Old and You Grow Closer (1956) - These two songs were on Aretha Franklin's first single record. The recordings were made at the age of 14, by J-V-B Records, at the New Baptist Bethel Church, Detroit, Michigan, where her father was the pastor.
Runnin' Out of Fools (1964) - This is Aretha Franklin's earliest known appearance on TV, tape dated 1964, although it's unknown what program it was.
Moon River (1964) - From Aretha Franklin's live appearance on the Steve Allen Show.
Won't Be Long (1964) - Aretha Franklin performs the song live on the Shindig TV show.
Concert in Amsterdam (1968) - A packed crowd at Aretha Franklin's first ever performance outside of the U.S. She also gave an interview on that occasion: watch it here.
WDR Studio L, Cologne (Köln), Germany (1968) - Complete live concert performance during her European Tour.
Night Life, Sweden (1968) - Again from her European Tour, an iconic, bluesy cover of a Willie Nelson song.
Precious Lord, Funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1968) - An especially memorable, emotional farewell to Dr. King.
Ten Aretha Franklin Protest Songs (1967-2014) - Listen to ten of the socially conscious tunes she performed over the years.
Bridge Over Troubled Waters (1971) - Aretha Franklin with King Curtis and his Band.
Concert at Fillmore West (1971) - Full live concert.
Montreux Jazz Festival (1971) - Full live concert.
James Brown and Aretha Franklin (1987) - In this live concert, the beginning is all James Brown, with Aretha Franklin coming on at about 38:30.
America, Barack Obama's First Inauguration (2009) - Franklin honored the occasion with an extended version of the classic tune.