Aretha Franklin Through the Years

Aretha Franklin reviews a copy of her album, Aretha Franklin – Soul '69, at Atlantic Records studios in New York in January 1969.

Aretha Franklin enjoys a hamburger while sitting at the piano in the Atlantic Records studio during "The Weight" recording session in New York on January 9th, 1969.

Aretha Franklin performs on Top of the Pops in the United Kingdom.

Aretha Franklin poses on a couch in this Atlantic Records press image.

Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Roberta Flack and Aretha Franklin perform at the "We Love You Madly" Duke Ellington tribute in Hollywood.

Aretha Franklin poses with her trophy at the 17th Annual Grammy Awards at the Uris Theater in New York.

Aretha Franklin hangs out with former First Lady Jackie Kennedy and former NFL player Rosey Grier at an event.

Aretha Franklin extends her hand to be kissed by producer and industry executive Clive Davis at a party in New York in July 1989.

Aretha Franklin stands with Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross in front of the Lincoln Memorial during a pre-inauguration event for Bill Clinton in Washington, D.C., on January 17th, 1993.

Aretha Franklin hugs Smokey Robinson during a rehearsal for the Aretha Franklin: Duets concert at the Nederlander Theater in New York in April 1993.

Aretha Franklin dances during a rehearsal for the Aretha Franklin: Duets concert at the Nederlander Theater in New York in April 1993.

Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keys perform during the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Party at the Regent Wall Street in New York on February 22nd, 2003.

Aretha Franklin performs in front of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., during the NFL Kickoff Live concert on September 4th, 2003.

Aretha Franklin and Al Green perform during the grand opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.

Aretha Franklin performs with Paul Shaffer at the 22nd Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York on March 12th, 2007.

Aretha Franklin performs at the MusiCares Person of the Year ceremony in her honor at the Los Angeles Convention Center in February 2008.

Aretha Franklin and BeBe Winans perform during the pre-telecast for the 50th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 10th, 2008.

Aretha Franklin performs during the Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops concert at the Nokia Theatre in New York on December 14th, 2008.

Aretha Franklin is inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame by Jamie Foxx and Danny Glover at the Apollo Theater Spring Benefit Concert and Awards Ceremony in New York on June 14th, 2010.

Michelle Obama reaches out to embrace Aretha Franklin as President Barack Obama; President/CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation Harry Johnson; Vice President Joe Biden; Jill Biden and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar look on during the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., on October 16th, 2011.

Aretha Franklin performs a tribute to Whitney Houston at Radio City Music Hall in New York on February 17th, 2012.