The Best Aretha Franklin Song From Every Decade

Much R-E-S-P-E-C-T to the legend.

CBS

Aretha Franklin wasn’t born a queen; she earned the title — with every track, every performance and all the “Respect” from a world of admirers.

On August 30, Gladys Knight, Raheem DeVaughn, Angie Stone and will honor the Queen of Soul during a tribute concert at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. This follows a public viewing memorial, which was held Aug. 28 in Detroit for the 76-year-old “Queen of Soul,” who died from pancreatic cancer.

We revisit a seven-decade recording career that to date has brought us the above-referenced classic, plus “Chain of Fools,” “Freeway of Love,” “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” “Think” and “(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman.” It’s an unrivaled run that has earned the Memphis, Tennessee-born, Detroit-raised singer (and righteous piano player) 18 competitive Grammys, three honorary Grammys, nearly 30 gold- and platinum-selling singles and albums, and audiences with U.S. presidents, including Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

On Monday night in Detroit, the on-tour Beyoncé and Jay-Z dedicated their concert to Franklin. Today, many others have shared their respects. This is our tribute.

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