Aretha Franklin: Photos Of The Singer

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August 23, 2016 10:20AM EDT

Aretha Franklin is one of the most iconic soul singers in the music industry. Here are some of her best pics.

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Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin — Aretha Franklin, born March 25, 1942, was a singer and activist who rose to prominence as the Queen of Soul in the 1960s. Aretha got her start as a professional singer in her late teens and early 20s, traveling to New York City with the aspiration to follow in the steps of Sam Cooke and more singers. Throughout her career, Aretha had dozens of hits and singles, including “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

During her rise to fame in the ‘60s, Aretha used her voice for more than just singing. She was an ardent activist dedicated to the Civil Rights movement and Women’s Rights. She won a total of 18 Grammy Awards with 44 nominations during her career. She had a decades-long career and inspired countless singers. Aretha passed away at the age of 76 in August 2018.

Here, Aretha Franklin warbles a few notes into a microphone in the early years of her career. To see more photos of the Queen of Soul throughout her life, take a look at the rest of the images in this gallery of photos.

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Aretha Franklin In London

Aretha Franklin In London — Aretha Franklin poses at the London Palladium. She smiled for a photo.

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Aretha Franklin Photographed Singing

Aretha Franklin Photographed Singing — Aretha Franklin is photographed singing in a gorgeous gown. She put on a fantastic show.

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Aretha Franklin In A Glittering Gown

Aretha Franklin In A Glittering Gown — Aretha Franklin sings in a bright, glittery dress. She looked sensational.

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Aretha Franklin In 1968

Aretha Franklin In 1968 — Aretha Franklin performs in an animal print outfit in 1968. She released her albums ‘Lady Soul’ and ‘Aretha Now’ this year.

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Aretha Franklin Photographed In 1980

Aretha Franklin Photographed In 1980 — Aretha Franklin in 1980. Her self-titled album debuted this year.

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Aretha Franklin In Radio City Music Hall

Aretha Franklin In Radio City Music Hall — Aretha Franklin performs at New York’s Radio City Music Hall in 1989. She stunned audiences with her talent and her glamour.

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Aretha Franklin At The Valentino First Annual Rose Of Life Awards

Aretha Franklin At The Valentino First Annual Rose Of Life Awards — Aretha Franklin at the Valentino Firrst Annual Rose of Life Awards. Aretha Franklin won the Valentino First Annual Rose of Life Award in 1992.

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Aretha Franklin Performing

Aretha Franklin Performing — Aretha Franklin performs at pre-inaugural festivities in 1993. She wore a glamorous fur coat for her number.

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Aretha Franklin Dancing On Stage

Aretha Franklin Dancing On Stage — Aretha Franklin dances on stage during the first annual march on cancer in Washington in 1998. She totally proved that she could boogie!

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Aretha Franklin With Singers

Aretha Franklin With Singers — Aretha Franklin smiles with singers in a choir behind her. Aretha Franklin has 5 songs in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

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Aretha Franklin Performs

Aretha Franklin Performs — Aretha Franklin in concert for the Hurricane Katrina Rescue Fund in Los Angeles on September 12, 2005. She stunned in this gorgeous black gown.

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Aretha Franklin At An Event

Aretha Franklin At An Event — Aretha Franklin wears a yellow gown at an event. Aretha Franklin won 18 Grammys and been nominated 44 times over the course of her decades-long career.

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Aretha Franklin Performs In Boca Raton

Aretha Franklin Performs In Boca Raton — Aretha Franklin in concert at the Mizner Park Amphitheatre in Boca Raton on April 22, 2005. Her white gown was absolutely breath taking!

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Aretha Franklin At The 2007 US Open

Aretha Franklin At The 2007 US Open — Aretha Franklin performs at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the opening ceremonies on the first night of the 2007 US Open Tennis Tournament in Flushing Meadows, New York, on August 27, 2007. She looked and sounded incredible.

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Aretha Franklin At The 2010 Apollo Theater Ceremony

Aretha Franklin At The 2010 Apollo Theater Ceremony — Aretha Franklin stuns in a gold gown at the 2010 Apollo Theater Ceremony. She looked so elegant in her sparkling, feathery frock.

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Aretha Franklin At The Candie’s Foundation 10th Annual ‘Event To Prevent’ Benefit, New York, America – 03 May 2011

Aretha Franklin At The Candie’s Foundation 10th Annual ‘Event To Prevent’ Benefit, New York, America – 03 May 2011 — Aretha Franklin at the The Candie’s Foundation 10th Annual ‘Event To Prevent’ Benefit in New York on May 3, 2011. She sang for those in attendance.

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Aretha Franklin Looks Stunning In Yellow

Aretha Franklin Looks Stunning In Yellow — Aretha Franklin poses in gorgeous yellow. Over the course of her career, Aretha had 20 #1 R&B singles.

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Aretha Franklin Performs In Concert In New York

Aretha Franklin Performs In Concert In New York — Aretha Franklin performs at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The concert was the first of two sold-out shows.

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Aretha Franklin In Concert

Aretha Franklin In Concert — Aretha Franklin in concert at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, on July 16, 2010. She looked so regal in her red gown.

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Aretha Franklin At The Premiere Of ‘Selma’

Aretha Franklin At The Premiere Of ‘Selma’ — Aretha Franklin at the premiere of ‘Selma’ in 2014. She posed for photographers on the red carpet.

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Aretha Franklin At The 2016 White House Correspondents Dinner

Aretha Franklin At The 2016 White House Correspondents Dinner — Aretha Franklin at the 2016 White House Correspondents Dinner. She posed for photos.

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Aretha Franklin Performs At The 2017 Tribeca Film Festival

Aretha Franklin Performs At The 2017 Tribeca Film Festival — Aretha Franklin performs at the world premiere of ‘Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives’ at Radio City Music Hall during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival in New York on April 19, 2017. She looked fabulous in her gown and belted out some amazing tunes.

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Aretha Franklin In Philadelphia

Aretha Franklin In Philadelphia — Aretha Franklin in Philadelphia. She posed for a photo.

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