Transcript for ‘The Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin dies at the age of 76
with the queen of soul, the woman whose powerful voice was singular and whose lyrics were the backdrop of so much history in this country. Aretha Franklin has died. We learned today Franklin died of pancreatic cancer at age 76. Her songs left an ill dellable mark. Tonight, in her own words, what respect meant. And in her 20s, singing “A natural woman” and what she acknowledged at the time about that song. Tonight, Aretha Franklin on her music, her message and her fans across the country and the world now paying their respects. ??? What you want ??? ??? baby I got it ??? ??? what you need ??? ??? you know I got it ??? Reporter: Aretha Franklin commanded respect. ??? For a little respect ??? ??? when you get home ??? Reporter: Seen here in 1968, in her mid 20s, her voice already a force on the stage. ??? R-e-s-p-e-c-t ??? ??? find out what ??? ??? it means to me ??? ??? r-e-s-p-e-c-t ??? ??? take care t-c-b ??? Reporter: Born on March 25th, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee. Chef was the daughter of a reverend, C.L. Franklin, who would move his family to Detroit. It’s where Aretha would begin to sing for that congregation right from the pulpit. ??? He’s right there ??? ??? right there to guide me ??? Reporter: Recording gospel songs, she began performing across America, and she talked about the moment she told her father she wanted to grow. I decided I wanted to change fields. So, I let him know, and he felt that this was what I wanted to do T get into the field of rhythm and blues and pop music. Reporter: One of her first major breakthroughs was this — ??? oh yeah ??? ??? yeah ??? ??? I never loved a man before ??? Reporter: “I never loved a man the way that I love you” in 1967, and then there was the song co-written by Carole king with Aretha Franklin in mind. ??? You make me feel ??? ??? you make me feel ??? ??? you make me feel ??? ??? like a natural woman ??? Reporter: “A natural woman,” but still a young woman, Aretha Franklin would admit she had plenty more to learn. I still got to find out who and what I really am. I don’t know yet. I’m trying to find the answer. ??? Chain, chain, chain ??? ??? chain of fools ??? Reporter: She had nearly 100 hits on billboard’s r&b chart, 20 reaching number one. 18 grammy wins. The first woman inducted into the rock-n-roll hall of fame, and one of the first African-American women on the cover of “Time magazine.” During the civil rights movement, so many would turn to that song, “Respect.” She was a friend to Dr. Martin Luther king, and she would sing at his funeral in 1968. ??? All we need is you Jesus ??? Reporter: Her career bridging six decades. There was reinvention, and a comeback. ??? Go ??? ??? we go a riding on the freeway of love ??? Reporter: In 1999, awarded the national medal of arts from president Clinton, the presidential medal of freedom in 2005 from president bush, and she was there at the inauguration of the first African-American president, Barack Obama. ??? My country tis of thee ??? ??? sweet land of liberty ??? Reporter: Tonight, tributes growing on her star at the Hollywood walk of fame, and at the Apollo theater in New York, then and now. Tonight, her family says Aretha Franklin, who had pancreatic cancer, was surrounded by loved ones and family in the end. “We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family,” they said. So many artists paying tribute tonight on social media. Mariah Carey, smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett among them, and Carole king, too, who Aretha Franklin honored just a few years ago at the Kennedy center honors. That song Carole co-wrote for Aretha. ??? Looking out on the morning rain ??? ??? I used to feel so inspired ??? ??? when I knew I had to face another day ??? ??? so tired ??? Reporter: And it was Aretha Franklin who brought everyone to their feet. ??? You make me feel ??? ??? you make me feel ??? Reporter: Along the way, she was asked about her songs, “A natural woman,” and “Respect.” And what that word meant to her. Everyone wants respect. Everyone needs respect. From the young to the very O, and in the middle, male, female. We all want respect and we all want to be appreciated. Reporter: Appreciated and profound respect tonight for Aretha Franklin. The queen of soul. She was 76. Our thoughts are with Aretha Franklin’s family tonight. President trump said today she was a great woman with a wonderful gift from former president and secretary Clinton said she was one of America’s greatest treasures, and former president Obama and Michelle Obama saying we were all graced with a glimpse of the divine.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
