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  1. Home
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  3. The evolution of Aretha Franklin

The evolution of Aretha Franklin

By Seija Rankin March 25, 2018 at 09:00 AM EDT
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Aretha Franklin through the years

Aretha Franklin
Credit: Afro American Newspapers/Gado/Getty Images

Nothing makes us feel more natural than praising the awesomeness of Aretha Franklin. Today marks her 76th birthday, and what a ride it's been. The singer was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1942 and released her first album, Song of Faith, in 1956. She's had an enviable career that has included and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a host of gold and platinum albums. R-E-S-P-E-C-T indeed. Click on to see memorable moments from her life and career.

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Signing a contract with Atlantic Records in 1966

Aretha Signs
Credit: PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

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With husband and manager Ted White in 1968

Aretha Franklin - American Soul Singer - 1968 - With Husband And Manager Ted White
Credit: Roger Bamber/ANL/REX/Shutterstock

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Living up the swingin' '60s

Aretha Franklin
Credit: Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

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Rocking a diamond ring in an undated photo

Aretha Franklin
Credit: Getty Images

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Holding a Grammy Award in 1970

Aretha Franklin With Her Grammy Award
Credit: Tim Boxer/Getty Images

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Aretha Franklin with her father and sister in 1971

Portrait Of Aretha Franklin & Family
Credit: Anthony Barboza/Getty Images

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Aretha Franklin in Los Angeles in 1980

Aretha Franklin Portrait Session
Credit: Harry Langdon/Getty Images

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Onstage at the NBA All-Star Game in 1985

Aretha Franklin At The Hyatt Hotel
Credit: Paul Natkin/Getty Images

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Taping an HBO special with James Brown in 1987

Aretha Franklin, Detroit, USA
Credit: Joe Kennedy/AP/REX/Shutterstock

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Backstage at Radio City Music Hall with Oprah Winfrey in 1991

Aretha Franklin And Oprah Winfrey
Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images

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Aretha Franklin, Donald Trump, Clive Davis, and Marla Maples attend a 1992 Grammy Party

Aretha Franklin At A Grammy Party With Donald Trump, Clive Davis, and Marla Maples
Credit: Waring Abbott/Getty Images

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On the red carpet of the 39th annual Grammy Awards in 1997

GRAMMYS, NEW YORK, USA
Credit: KATHY WILLENS/AP/REX/Shutterstock

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Receiving the 1999 National Medal of Arts and Humanities Award 

US President Bill Clinton (R) along with First Lad
Credit: STEPHEN JAFFE/AFP/Getty Images

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Performing as part of VH1 Divas 2001: The One and Only Aretha Franklin

VH1 DIVAS, NEW YORK, USA
Credit: SUZANNE PLUNKETT/AP/REX/Shutterstock

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Performing at the inauguration ceremony of President Barack Obama in 2009

Inauguration Ceremony of United States President, Barack Obama, US Capitol, Washington DC, America - 20 Jan 2009
Credit: REX/Shutterstock

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Addressing the graduates of New York University in 2014

Yellen NYU Graduation, New York, USA
Credit: Frank Franklin II/AP/REX/Shutterstock

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On Late Night With Seth Meyers in 2015

Late Night with Seth Meyers - Season 3
Credit: Jon Pack/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

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Aretha Franklin at Lincoln Center in 2015

Jazz at Lincoln Center Opens The Mica And Ahmet Ertegun Atrium
Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Jazz at Lincoln Center

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Aretha Franklin's birthday party in 2015

Aretha Franklin Birthday Bash, New York, USA - 22 Mar 2015
Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock

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Attending the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 25th anniversary gala in 2017

Elton John AIDS Foundation's 25th Anniversary Gala, New York, USA - 07 Nov 2017
Credit: Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock

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Aretha Franklin performs at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival

"Clive Davis: The Soundtrack Of Our Lives" Premiere - 2017 Tribeca Film Festival
Credit: Taylor Hill/Getty Images

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    1 of 22 Aretha Franklin through the years
    2 of 22 Signing a contract with Atlantic Records in 1966
    3 of 22 With husband and manager Ted White in 1968
    4 of 22 Living up the swingin' '60s
    5 of 22 Rocking a diamond ring in an undated photo
    6 of 22 Holding a Grammy Award in 1970
    7 of 22 Aretha Franklin with her father and sister in 1971
    8 of 22 Aretha Franklin in Los Angeles in 1980
    9 of 22 Onstage at the NBA All-Star Game in 1985
    10 of 22 Taping an HBO special with James Brown in 1987
    11 of 22 Backstage at Radio City Music Hall with Oprah Winfrey in 1991
    12 of 22 Aretha Franklin, Donald Trump, Clive Davis, and Marla Maples attend a 1992 Grammy Party
    13 of 22 On the red carpet of the 39th annual Grammy Awards in 1997
    14 of 22 Receiving the 1999 National Medal of Arts and Humanities Award 
    15 of 22 Performing as part of VH1 Divas 2001: The One and Only Aretha Franklin
    16 of 22 Performing at the inauguration ceremony of President Barack Obama in 2009
    17 of 22 Addressing the graduates of New York University in 2014
    18 of 22 On Late Night With Seth Meyers in 2015
    19 of 22 Aretha Franklin at Lincoln Center in 2015
    20 of 22 Aretha Franklin's birthday party in 2015
    21 of 22 Attending the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 25th anniversary gala in 2017
    22 of 22 Aretha Franklin performs at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival

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