WATCH: 7 unforgettable performances from the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin

The Queen of Soul gave us several soul-stirring moments throughout her illustrious career.

Aug 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin is one of the most iconic singers to ever live and the Queen of Soul delivered several memorable performances throughout her illustrious career.

Throughout her nearly 60-year career, she has performed for Queen Elizabeth, prompted tears from Barack Obama, inspired countless artists and fans across the globe and delivered the undeniably impactful anthem with her 1967 hit “Respect.”

Check out a few of the most memorable performances from one of the most powerful voices of our time:

The Beginning

At 22-years-old, Franklin performs her first Billboard Hot 100 hit “Won’t Be Long” on The Steve Allen Show in 1964.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Franklin’s signature song “Respect,” earned her a Grammy and became an anthem for those fighting for equality and this performance of the song in Amsterdam in 1968 shows she was destined for greatness.

Quintessential Diva

The Queen of Soul was joined by Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and more celebs at the Vh1’s Divas Live: The One and Only Aretha Franklin at Radio City Music Hall in NYC in 2001.

Pride of a Nation

Franklin wowed the crowd with her rendition of The National Anthem alongside Aaron Neville at the Super Bowl XL in 2006.

Show Stealer

Franklin and her fabulous hat stole the show with her version of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” at the inauguration of Barack Obama in 2009.

Stirring Soul

The Queen of Soul got a standing ovation mid-song during her performance of “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2015, prompting tears from President Barack Obama as well as the night’s honoree, Carole King.

The Final Bow

For her final public performance, Aretha Franklin took the stage at Elton John’s AIDS Foundation Gala at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC on November 7, 2017.