
From her gospel beginnings in the early ’50s to her 2014 cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” Aretha Franklin — who died Aug. 16 at 76 — wowed audiences with the power of her incomparably intense and instantly recognizable mezzo-soprano. Ahead, we look back at some of her most captivating performance and behind-the-scenes photos.
Pictured: Franklin in New York’s Central Park in 1968.
Heilemann/Camera Press/Redux

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

© Walter Iooss Jr./Globe Photos via ZUMA Wire

Walter Iooss/Getty Images

Kris Connor/Getty Images

Art Kane

Anthony Barboza/Getty Images

Harry Langdon/Getty Images

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

David Gahr/Getty Images

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Tyrone Dukes/The New York Times/Redux

To read more on Aretha Franklin’s legacy, pick up the new issue of Entertainment Weekly on stands Friday, or buy it here now. Don’t forget to subscribe for more exclusive interviews and photos, only in EW.
(c) 1968 Paul McCartney. Photographer: Linda McCartney
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