Aretha Franklin Brings President Obama To Tears Performing At Kennedy Center Honors

Aretha Franklin performed at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors this year, paying tribute to Carole King, who helped co-write the song she performed "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman." The Kennedy Center Honors took place on December 6th in Washington, D.C., and just aired on TV last night, hence the circulation of this footage.

[@79mraw]

The entrance. The purse. The fur. The piano. The vocals. She made ME feel like a natural woman and I'm a man.

[@popcorn3149]

me too

[@ftbailey773]

bahaha same bro!

[@Womanstandup]

😂🤣😂🤦🏽‍♀️

[@DellieB]

I'm literally laughing out loud 🤣🤣🤣 your comment has me in tears 🤣🤣🤣

[@LadaBartos]

hahh

[@EPICFAILKING1]

I love that she was in her prime in the '60s, a time of racial segregation and tension, then 50 years later she performs in front of the first black president. Must have been a mutually amazing experience.

[@Lauren_Fields]

Say that! Yes!

[@tanyanguyen3704]

While true, she wasn’t singing for Obama. She was singing for Carol. And Carol was beside herself. I love when musicians of this stature show they out right love of eachother! 🤍💙💜

[@gokay8194]

@Eduardo Figueroa he never sing in front of Obama

[@calebcharlesii]

@@tanyanguyen3704 true that here she was singing for Carol, but Aretha did perform at Obama’s first inauguration and was invited to the White House on numerous occasions. However, Bush beat Obama to the punch awarding Aretha her Presidential Medal of Freedom. What a life!

[@JeffFreemanPresents]

@@tanyanguyen3704 Carol’s reaction is so lovely I got choked up seeing her. So much love. If I had to say the single most amazing thing we have in this world, I’d say music.

[@rickw1100]

Battling Pancreatic cancer, she still showed up to honor a friend. Class, class, and more class. God bless Aretha Franklin.

[@johnhoward8668]

❤❤

[@SeanM-ip2nc]

I can’t get pancreatic cancer because I have a pot. Potcreatic. Study that.. fools.

[@dennismclaurin1487]

I think Obama knew

[@samanthapatterson813]

Does anyone else come back and watch this when they need a break from the crazy?

[@janemcfadden4801]

Yes...I love this. 100s of time ❤

[@robylorenti]

Oh si NE HO BISOGNO FISICO

[@someonelovesyouhere]

💕

[@medubumiracle7419]

I do again and again

[@someonelovesyouhere]

❤@@medubumiracle7419

[@I.A.G]

Bear in mind she was 74 years old, dying of cancer when she performed this song! Rest in peace, Queen of soul 🕊🕊

[@kingy002]

Thanks for the context. That says a lot.

[@gingeroxendine2288]

Queen of Rock, too.

[@mymom9466]

What?! Wow! Just wow.

[@corabernal6432]

​@@gingeroxendine2288She was the 1st woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 😮❤🤟 May she RIP😢

[@mayoryol4670]

Your comment make me cry.Aretha is really one of the best

[@beverlyo1783]

I love that Carole King’s going crazy because she’s singing her song with all the emotion it deserves!

[@donjones4719]

Carole was in transports of joy and beyond to have Aretha sing this - and do a rendition for the ages.

[@joanneolive7128]

She wrote it for Aretha.

[@EPA18]

She's going crazy because she's an airhead. A talented airhead, but an hippy-dippy airhead nonetheless. Just read her autobiography, it's quite apparent.

[@SA-xf7pc]

@@EPA18 You can't write music and be this successful if you're an idiot. And the fact that half the audience knows the lyrics proves this.

[@garylitfin6781]

@@EPA18 Yo jus' a PO Jealous S.

[@kellymoran534]

I could watch Carole’s reaction 1000 times. Pure joy and humility. ❤

[@dannyarroway4187]

Actually, no! It was pure jealousy, deceit, and phony crocodile smiles of hate! carol klein is a fake and a phony.

[@transatlanticize]

behaving like a village idiot

[@someonelovesyouhere]

💕

[@stephensheaffer6124]

One of the greatest voices of all time !!! To sound like that at her age, simply incredible ! RIP Aretha !

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@CadeNg]

Aretha Franklin's ad-libbing ability is so heavenly, she's the sunlight to the fakeness of lip syncing and auto-tuning to the very end of her life

[@brimand90]

The jewels. The fur. The pocketbook. The piano playing. The vocals. If that’s not a Queen I don’t know what is.

[@joannagipson12]

Amén...💖

[@sallyhart3044]

Brought me to tears. The respect to the songwriter from the Queen and vise versa. Just one of the most incredible moments in history!!!

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Better Than SAF

[@laurahoward5426]

YES!!

[@--oi0io--]

Agreed. The pocketbook is the clincher.

[@michaelschoemer7474]

The time a Queen moved a President to tears. May she Rest in Peace. Queen of Soul, indeed.

[@rochellecrump-mcnulty9675]

A great truth spoken. Thank you

[@carolsteinhauer5935]

Miss having a awesomely cool first couple!

[@HistoryChannel1776]

Fake tears. Like his Presidency.

[@tanyanguyen3704]

@@HistoryChannel1776 - I’m so sorry you cannot feel music enough to be moved to tears. I’m balling. Anyone with a soul is.

[@jessicathurman70]

The power of music is so beautiful!!!!!

[@ToiletScribble]

Probably the greatest musical performance ever performed on television. I watch this often for inspiration

[@DiosanXaquerry]

Heat performing stairway to heaven is damn close if not better at the Led Zeppelin tribute

[@phishfearme2]

@@DiosanXaquerry Heart indeed was heat for the Led Zep dedication

[@joel0troy]

Aretha set the standards for most of the female vocalists after her, her prowess and showmanship was the standard. No wonder she was the number one vocalist in the Rolling Stone top 200 list. RIP to the legend.

[@butterlagmay5168]

I agree. Aretha is the mother of all divas and should be #1 in any ranking list of singers, but please don't validate that dumbass Rolling Stones top 200 cuz it's their opinion and not a legit ranking. Imagine them not putting Celine Dion, making Taylor Swift rank higher than Barbra Streisand, ranking Rihanna higher than Michael Jackson. I have respect for what Taylor and Rihanna but them ranking higher than the obvious greats makes their list questionable

[@Ri57490]

Aretha set the standards for all the vocalists after her, not only the female vocalists. Aretha is the greatest vocalist of all time.

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@MilesTippett]

Carole King losing her damn mind is priceless!

[@kelleykelley1914]

Thanks I was trying to figure out who is that fanning out on the QUEEN of Soul

[@MilesTippett]

@@kelleykelley1914 The whole concert was paying tribute to Carole King for her songwriting.

[@kelleykelley1914]

@@MilesTippett MY BAD just google was not that familiar with name & face BUT I have (&DO) enjoy work appreciate the education

[@steventackett3037]

Carol wrote the song

[@stevejennings2394]

Totally 😄

[@Currabell]

74! She leaves performers 50 years younger in the dust. Genius.

[@theninjacat7200]

Thank you! Thank you for saying this! You've got a bunch of so-called 'divas, starlets and artists' who can't do HALF of what Aretha does but they've got entourages and top dollar billing at the Superbowl. PUH-LEASE!

[@boblawrence2078]

John Lyons j

[@camoi18]

Well.... she has had 50 years more of experience... it's only natural that her abilities are way more polished than current mainstream...

[@dwightlove3704]

John Lyons that goes beyond saying she could put out something now and ITS A HIT!!!!!!!

[@lyndaanthony1154]

camoi18 but that voice....timeless😊

[@whitecoolaid]

This put wind back in my sails today. She was the most incredible (and natural) woman. And Carole King's excitement is soooo contagious. One million gold stars ✨

[@godlygirls62]

There will never ever be another. Mariah, Whitney, and many, many others were truly talented. But Aretha. Well she had talent, no doubt. But what set her apart from the others was she had a gift. A gift that commanded standings ovations as she walked onto a stage. Truly the GOAT.

[@someonelovesyouhere]

💕

[@balto20002]

One of the great live performances ever. From soft and subtle to belting it. O man.

[@tienaellison4729]

The woman was fighting cancer when she performed this song and still hit every note on point; the one and only "Queen" Rest in power lady! Love you and miss you!

[@carolinejohn4537]

WOW ! Unbelievable. Gave me goosebumps

[@Markanthonyhair]

❤️❤️

[@imfeelinggoodnl]

What??? I didn't know that. What a queen 👑

[@bjpgm1233]

Shame she sang it for that murderer

[@paulwilliams2663]

She was also the king and emperor, unsurpassed

[@JRose-ub3hd]

Mind you, she was dying of Cancer when she did this performance! That's why everyone was surprised and crying to see her there. Straight up LEGEND!

[@bernicenelson5879]

Thats probably why she has her fur on..her blood is probably thin behind all the chemo..my sister is the same way ..always cold even in the summer.. .

[@hoorayitsjackie6166]

She wears fur in a lot of her performances and it’s gross

[@melaninenriched7844]

@@bernicenelson5879 As singer cold air is drying. She'll request they cut the air off a hr before she performs but if they couldn't accommodate she'll wear coats.

[@Mrtaylormade365]

@@hoorayitsjackie6166 shut up

[@natashabegley1346]

Nobody was crying though!

[@user-kq7rf6uq4m]

You know you're an incredibly powerful artist when you get a standing ovation well before you're even done singing. Especially when one of the people standing is an absolute icon who wrote the song. There will NEVER be another Aretha Franklin.

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@pattydella4]

I think I read somewhere that it was a rarity for Aretha to play the piano on stage so King was especially touched and amazed to see her do that for her!

[@MrWebby93]

Obama crying, Michelle hollering and Carole is absolutely beside herself. Legendary performance from an absolute, unquestionable, undeniable legend.

[@kathykb8123]

@@dekehassa4582 Lmao! No.

[@305carolann]

@@dekehassa4582 .. don't you have a rock to crawl back under? Go on now...

[@bhscaps]

Michelle Obama doesn't holler, but Viola Davis does. And you can bet Viola Davis on the outside is Michelle Obama on the inside!

[@JaX-cu7hb]

@@dekehassa4582 just say you’re racist

[@liberacedb5100]

And still the most surprising thing about this is George Lucas not wearing a Flanell shirt, jeans and New Balance sneakers.

[@bananacaster3259]

74 years old and could still out sing 99% of the clowns performing now. One of a kind musical genius.

[@InspireRise300]

Yes

[@kristilambert3416]

🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘❤

[@boinkingyamumsohardithurts12]

Not true a lot of the current day rappers/ singers would out class her

[@kw9568]

I hope I will still be able to sing when I'm 74! 😢😲

[@curtisstroud3]

@@boinkingyamumsohardithurts12 You're entitled to your wrong opinion 😂 She comes from an era of absolutely legendary vocalists. Cher, Tina, Elton, Aretha, Donna summer, Dion Warwick and later Celine, whitney and Mariah. Only 3 or 4 people in the last 20 years even come close to any of those vocalists and songwriters. Gaga, Ariana, Sara Bareilles and Dimash

[@ssp4795]

my god, that voice, what a legend. How can you not cry in the presence of such true greatness?

[@priestkahi5532]

She puts her soul into this song!!

[@bernlin2000]

Awwwww....Carole is SO OVERWHELMED by this honor. Aretha is just on another level from other vocalists.

[@BigDon_707]

Chris Ducat LOL I was thinking the same thing

[@jimquantic]

Someone always-always, a rule of life, someone will be a =====turd.

[@droidgeist]

Carole King wasn't overwhelmed with ego. One of the greatest songwriters of all time was overjoyed to hear one of the greatest singers of all time sing one of her songs. It's called being happy.

[@moiramccleary]

Ed Hye And its RESPECT. Two of the greats.

[@brainsareus]

Phil Hey stupid, Carole is a humble doll.

[@Si1983h]

She was 73 years old on this performance, what an amazing lady!

[@TimxA]

*73 YEARS YOUNG* Just wanted to reiterate that for those who can't quite grasp how incredible this was.

[@jos651952]

Si1983h Great

[@samuelchoong2611]

no playback required!!! powerful

[@tylersgamespace4891]

WHAT 73?? With vocals like that WHAT THE F! that's absolutely incredible!

[@Si1983h]

Panzer SS Stormzy is probably more your kind of thing then.

[@Gudi102]

What an ABSOLUTE LEGEND!! Had goosebumps all over. Hitting every note at 74 and fighting cancer, it brought the house down. Our Queen, THANK YOU for leaving us such amazing, memorable, emotional moments. Hard to put in words the emotions she makes us feel. Love you and miss you.

[@traydaniel0403]

This was 2015. She was actually 73. Not 74. But you’re right. This brought me in tears too 🥹

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@firekip685]

This is one of the greatest moments in music/television history. Epic doesn’t even come close. The fur, the purse, the piano and Carole Kings reaction, and most of all Aretha nailing a performance in her 70’s.

[@willbrosy]

Damn straight. Just wow.

[@julz7753]

word. up.

[@Thatgirl1965]

Agree 100! This performance alone could bring about world Peace! 🌎🕊️

[@freddoflintstono9321]

.. while fighting cancer. Astonishing.

[@curbmassa]

Oh, yeah. When Aretha sits down at the piano, shit`s about to get real. When she gets up from the piano, it`s Katy, Bar The Door.

[@vinaymulukutla358]

I'm not surprised that it brought President Obama to tears, it brought me to tears as well and especially seeing it's original songwriter Carole King so visibly moved and excited. Aretha was phenomenal and her gift to the world is timeless.

[@stephwarren155]

It didn't - looked like he was scratching an itch. So engrossed that he sat there nibbling on his snacks. If you are truly emotionally engaged you don't sit there chomping!

[@traydaniel0403]

@@stephwarren155 Get lost, troll. It did brought him and everyone else to tears.

[@topogigio2879]

What an idiotic take. You are a fool.@@stephwarren155

[@nogoodwolf]

@@stephwarren155 What a decent, respectable person president Obama was!

[@blank-dr2kx]

All for show

[@hux2000]

If Aretha's voice doesn't bring you to tears, I'm not sure you're human! The Queen of Soul, then, now and forever. There will never be another like her.

[@karadiberlino]

If wear fur I don‘t think you are human. 🤮

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@denisegay232]

This performance brought tears to my eyes. Rest well Queen ❤

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@ry8729]

This woman holds honorary degrees (in music) from Harvard, Yale, Princeton and University of Michigan. Arguably, one of the most respected singers/musicians alive on this planet!

[@snavarro228]

R Y don't forget her songwriting credits too!

[@diane9247]

Plus, she's a Goddess!

[@gistunwind2750]

R Y to m

[@michaelwade7327]

R Y No argument! She is INCREDIBLE!

[@nwokeugochi1111]

R Y I always ask my self you can sing does that stop one from getting a degree.i mean education.its important. Do your av to be about money boots drugs jail etc to make hit records or dissing some one.we have artist that sing clean lyric and are good at what the do.

[@PeaceFan1]

I LOVE IT when Aretha throws off her Mink Coat !! GO GIRL!! THE UNDISPUTED QUEEN OF SOUL ..xoxo

[@sharinewman524]

a talent not to mess with

[@PeaceFan1]

Shari Newman AMEN!!

[@davidharrop0191]

I hate the fact that she's wearing a mink coat!!!

[@richardmbowman]

Mink....and that mighty scream of hers...!

[@mashtali1]

+david harrop 80-100 minks are killed to make a coat.

[@henryjonas9302]

Just brought me to tears. This is one of the most moving performances I’ve every seen.

[@someonelovesyouhere]

💕

[@janjelinek3590]

i hear it after about 100 but still chills. A strong voice, a strong woman with an extraordinary story. RIP Aretha. We know you here and in the Czech Republic 🙏🇨🇿

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@lsjt8924]

How does a 74-year-old sing like that??? Amazing.

[@nicksurfs1]

She was also dying of cancer at the time. She is truly the queen of soul.

[@C_Becker]

@@nicksurfs1 In fact she died three years later. No reason to overdrama.

[@szbugy]

Aretha was different...

[@Gesellschaft_kritisieren_lol]

@@C_Becker thanks

[@jakw97]

Its was no ordinary 74 year old, that's the diva dawg.

[@precioustraveler]

RIP Queen. Drag that fur through heaven.

[@rochellecrump-mcnulty9675]

precioustraveler A great comment

[@storieswithori]

Yes. She better

[@32ahoy]

Best comment ever!!!

[@kayserria]

I so love this comment!!

[@jakerj96]

I was crying at this and then I seen this comment and it made burst into laughter! 😂

[@theone9224]

A force of nature. A work of genius. A gift from the heavens. Aretha Franklin’s voice is all that and more, which is why she remains the unchallenged Queen, years after her final bow. Her singing is the most magnificent sound to emerge from America - more universal than Coltrane’s horn, bolder than Hendrix’s guitar. She blew up worldwide with her 1967 hit “Respect,” claiming her throne as the greatest pop, rock, or soul singer ever. As Mary J. Blige told Rolling Stone, “She is the reason why women want to sing.” Aretha could express jubilation, as heard in her gospel doc Amazing Grace. She could summon the deepest heartbreak, in ballads like “Ain’t No Way.” Her artistry is the greatest achievement of American music, if not American history. But her voice is the crossroads where all different musical traditions meet, from gospel to funk to rock to the blues. As she said, “I guess you could say I do a lot of traveling with my voice.” She grew up as Detroit gospel royalty, getting her lessons in the church from Mahalia Jackson. At first, her label tried to mold her into a slick lounge singer, but she quit the crossover game, after meeting another young outsider on the label whose voice didn’t fit the pop mold: Bob Dylan. As she told writer Gerri Hirshey, “Neither of us was what you call - ah - mainstream.” Aretha went to Muscle Shoals and became Lady Soul, creating her own raw, intense R&B sound. She forced the mainstream to cross over to her, changing the way music sounded ever since, all over the world. Her genius has taken so many forms: 1970s gospel, 1980s glam-disco, her collabos with disciples like Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill. Or the night she stole the Grammys, singing “Nessun Dorma” without a rehearsal. But whatever she sang, she claimed it as her own. And as long as you live, you’ll never hear anything like Aretha Franklin. That’s why her voice still goes

[@PetiteDauphine1]

👑" . . . she forced the mainstream to crossover to her . . . "💖 🔥!🔥!🔥!🔥!🔥!🔥!🔥! Rest comfortably in God's Arms, our Queen.🌤

[@jamesdrynan]

Now, THAT'S a performance!! Extraordinary talent! Chills when she sheds her coat.

[@someonelovesyouhere]

💕

[@havensabaini7334]

Carol’s reaction when Aretha sits at the piano is one of the most genuine expressions of pure joy, I’ve ever seen! Cheers to these beautiful, iconic, natural women!☮️♥️🕉🎶

[@larrygoss3232]

M

[@larrygoss3232]

M

[@ciararespect4296]

Don't know why though?the piano was on the stage so hardly a surprise? I think just over acting histrionics as she knew she was on camera also

[@keviniti21]

It's such a wonderfully, beautifully pure reaction

[@bhscaps]

@@ciararespect4296 I think she didn't expect Aretha to play the piano, hence the look of surprise on her face.

[@NLawrence96]

All she did was take that fur off and they went nuts. Young singers need to learn.

[@KristineMaitland]

It's part of the ritual. James Brown used to do the same thing. It's very old school.

[@zulmakarnacha]

lmaoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@rekavas2168]

All she did was appeared on the stage and everyone went nuts... :D

[@colleenjoslin6985]

Joey and Rory gossple

[@bohabbibab5858]

Should never had it on it the first place.

[@benhicks3413]

Effortlessly hitting those high notes like a boss. What an incredible voice. Brought me to tears.

[@macman3175]

Wow!!!!!!!!!! There was NO ONE like Aretha, From my home town Detroit! God bless and rest in you gal!!!1

[@brucearron8798]

313 for life

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@natalieandrews8696]

That goddamn Aretha Franklin. Go head honey I almost stood up in my own house.

[@Gokomuo]

lol

[@yvonbouchard6735]

Natalie Andrews ooohvjlofc vhhgggyuuiuuuuuuu

[@Mollypopithelen]

I just did! Wow and wow again.

[@natalieandrews8696]

Kim Smith Yes we are,my three year old loves her.

[@Mollypopithelen]

They do it so much better than we do, we do have a few who give them a run for their money though.

[@imsleep2573]

Anybody else get goosebumps just when she entered?

[@dyseana5463]

Eq, mp

[@RobJazzful]

Yes. I’m not a robot. Or a Republican.

[@leapatterson2655]

One of the most amazing performances I’ve ever seen… The Queen Of Soul!!!! Rest on Queen Aretha, rest on 💜

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@guccigirlify]

I have watched this at least 5 times a day for a while an it still brings a tear to my eyes. Like wow! 😮😍

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@kylejnicholson]

With her Damn purse sittin on the piano.

[@direfranchement]

She keeps its close by, and won't take the stage until she is paid up front in cash.

[@slapjohnson2808]

Don't blame her! Chuck Berry will not take the stage until money is in hand!

[@direfranchement]

Slap Johnson If you'll remember, Aretha first started performing gospel in churches as a teenager, touring with her father in the 1950s. It was fairly common for gospel performers to get stiffed on their fees, and I think she developed this habit during that era. Much of her on stage behavior dates back to her upbringing in the mid-century Black Gospel scene, including throwing her mink coat in performance.

[@slapjohnson2808]

Yeah man, after 60 years on, she still gives me goosebumps.

[@lyndamarshall9313]

She will never come anywhere close to the iconic Tina Turner

[@billielittle]

The great Aretha Franklin singing the amazing Carole King talk about living legends. They don't make them like this anymore not even close. Even the back up singers rock. Singers today , and I don't care who they are, don't come close to this lady what a voice no auto tune here.

[@jayelove1504]

Amen to that....

[@bronwynhanlon4076]

Billie Little m

[@katieleaston]

Billie Little

[@billielittle]

Not true. Lol. Find it kind of crazy that you are blaming white people for the crap that is on the radio. Yeah nice try, but no cigar. Back in the day when most radio stations were run by whites you had greats like Aretha, Roberta Flack, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, and the amazing women groups of the 50's and 60's on the radio all the time. They topped the charts. That is how I know of them from the radio. I remember that in the 80's Aretha was on the radio a lot she had songs that were in the charts and mainstream radio played her like they played Natalie Cole, and the amazing Anita Baker, for example, all the time. There was quite a lot of RB on mainstream radio not just New Wave, Pop, or rock. Now you get a choice of crap and garbage for the most part anyway.

[@mitchgawlik1175]

Billie Little, you spoke the truth in both comments. It's not a color line that's keeping great music from us, it's a youth and marketing line. When will someone understand that both white and black America knows what it wants. There should always be a place for talent like Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Carole King, Flack, Knight and so many others.

[@stephenspencer4672]

One the greatest and most emotional moments in Kennedy Center Honors 🎖 history. Lady Soul and one half of the duo who wrote of her greatest hits.😊❤❤

[@someonelovesyouhere]

💕

[@MM-BN1]

The most memorable performances ever at the Kennedy Center! God is and was ever present in her voice and music!

[@Ryang403]

Just a reminder.. NO-ONE Sings like Aretha.

[@adanalcalaleon7426]

Centrist never will. ever!!!

[@Reverend-Race-Horsey]

Cough...Anita, cough...Chaka.

[@charlesstone9000]

Have you ever heard Ella Fitzgerald?

[@rosamariezimmerman1953]

Had the pleasure and honor of seeing Ella twice and as much as I like Aretha, she's no Ella. The first time was in West Berlin when she appeared with Van Clyburn, then the next time in the early 70s at the Kennedy Center. To me there were four great singers: Ella, Sarah, Dinah (Washington) and Ertha Kitt. There hasn't been anyone since that good since. I grew up in Germany listening to Armed Forces Radio and Radio Free Europe and those were they Ladies that graced the air ways. The main man was Nat KING Cole, and a bit later, Johnny Mathis, the groups were the Ink Spots, the Mills Brothers, and the Platters. Couldn't get any better than that. And I'm white and to me there have never been better entertainers.

[@fablewalls]

@Rosamarie Zimmerman, where would you place Billie Holliday? I'd also be interested in your list of male singers.

[@averyvincent1868]

The day she passed, a small college radio station in my area dedicated their entire day's airplay to her whole musical catalogue. They started with this song. As soon as I heard her sing "Lookin' out...", the tears started rolling and barely stopped for the next hour. She is glorious.

[@mariasilvadasgracasgoncalv9208]

Tá tudo no controle meu papa auol e dura ser palhaça do sirvo voz toke miau

[@mattlee5523]

Sounds like a great tribute brother

[@ladiva0128]

Wow 🥺

[@candaceconner6443]

I’m obsessed ! She’s a true legend ❤

[@vicentetorres946]

We miss you Aretha, you will always be the QUEEN!!!

[@SapphOfLesbos]

I love how when aretha came out Carol thought she was gonna give a speech or something but as soon as she sat down on the piano she lost her shit lol

[@MidnightSwinger]

Clexaholic911 It's so rare the last several years to see Aretha play piano that many, many people don't even know she can. It was a really special surprise that she sat down at the keys.

[@morgaffi]

Carol's phony overreacting nearly ruined this entire thing for me

[@brainsareus]

Morgaffi maybe, it's simply genuine; out of control, beautiful emotion; you sterile piece, of sadsack protoplasm.

[@longasaya]

No. it's PHONY, purely American, completely over the top theatrical SHIT...and she, as the writer, should have known better...but some people never grow up., do they?

[@pdoll96]

Jim Barry wow you're miserable aren't you?

[@globalduck1313]

Aretha Franklin Has Passed Away in Detroit this morning, August 16, 2018 at the age of 76. The world lost an amazing human being, humanitarian, and entertainer today :-( RIP Queen

[@SR-hs6pg]

Arethra Franklin :) in our hearts, our souls.. and dance to her voice.. She sure loved life.. we sure loved this beautiful woman. Always forever..

[@fernandomoralesmonge6948]

I got the chills while reading this and listening at her amazing voice, WOW 🤩🤍☁️

[@msoperator510]

@Eduardo Figueroa Elvis died August 16/ 1977, (Not 2018)

[@benjaminwinokur-applebau-yt7hp]

i’ve seen watched this performance at least thirty times and yet i still get waves of chills every time. icon. one of the greatest to ever do it

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@Educatedbrother71]

Now that is true musicianship...No drum machines etc.....Raw beautiful talent....RIP Aretha Franklin ❤

[@christiankrenek7689]

The word “diva” gets thrown around a lot lately, and usually negatively. But people forget that it’s the Latin word for “goddess.” And no other word could POSSIBLY describe Aretha. She walks onto that stage and gets an ovation. She sings a first line and gets an ovation. She stands up and gets an ovation. She DROPS THE COAT and people lose their damn minds. Why? Because she’s *just that good* . The one and only Queen of Soul, who rose from poverty and hardship in the Civil Rights era to become a legend. There will never be another Aretha, and we were all blessed to get this last soul-shaking, heart-pounding, brilliant performance from her. Rest well, Your Highness-you’re leading the heavenly choir now.

[@deborahchandler1195]

The Asian guy did it for me! Don't look at her like you didn't understand.

[@tinamarisia123]

She made it look so effortless as well .. just amazing.

[@carlwikstrom4093]

How the fuck can she have such a voice at that age?! This is talent in the flesh.

[@ternitamas]

and while playing the piano at the same time

[@sapsey72]

She quit smoking. In fact, she is a big reason why I quit smoking. From an article on Salon.com: 'Meanwhile, Aretha can still sing. If anything, her voice, over the past four decades, has improved. In an interview with Time, Aretha herself acknowledged this improvement: “I stopped smoking in 1991,” she explained. “It helped my voice tremendously. The clarity and everything. The range even increased.”' www.salon.com/1999/08/03/aretha/ ... an old article, but as far as I know she never picked back up again. Obviously, lol.

[@bahamaroot]

Many artist that never smoked don't have that quality of voice at Aretha's age.

[@sapsey72]

bahamaroot I won't disagree with that! There's a reason she's the Queen, her voice is truly special. :)

[@naeemahabdul8133]

I’ve watched this so many times and it still brings me to tears every time. I love everything about this video ❤

[@mariafernandacastro3056]

Eu TB já assisti várias vezes, é sensacional!!!!

[@rossspenser8314]

Amazing

[@stefanychadkewicz1674]

Don't know what's better, the fact that Aretha is SLAYING this song at 74 or Carole King's reactions to Aretha SLAYING

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

Very few performers can warrant a standing ovation before the song is over. RIP Angel

[@Peaches1691]

I grew up with her music and it still very special to my heart. All the GREAT singers that have passed on will ALWAYS be remembered forever and ever. This was wonderful to listen to again. Brings back the good times in my life.

[@cherrybieber3428]

Amen and Amen! I have always loved this song, and love it all the more today!!

[@borimirtheboring]

For an all too brief time our country seemed a lot cooler than it was.

[@robertlyle3806]

So hoping those 8 years weren't the top of the mountain.

[@ML-ul2zq]

They weren't, but we've fallen so far since.

[@Altenarian]

All we've got to do is get up and try again.

[@ronaldreagan305]

I just hope all of those clowns who like to say both parties are the same and it doesn't matter who you vote for realize how fuckin stupid they are. after they lose their health insurance, their job, their freedom, and probably their medicare and social security...

[@TheDimachaerus]

Did it?

[@emmagolding251]

The guy behind Carole sobbing immediately and openly... no words to describe the emotion this had me feeling. RIP QUEEN XXX

[@kerrylee4633]

The guy behind Carole is Gerry Goffin. Carole King's husband and co-writer. He contributed to a large portion of her hits.

[@brandyg5639]

As soon as I saw the Asian guy behind her struggling not to cry, it was immediate tears for me!!! What an amazing tribute!

[@dtegg91]

@@brandyg5639 lol that poor guy didn't even make it 10 seconds into the song

[@fakirpoo]

​@kerrylee4633 pretty sure Gerry Goffin was dead by the time this came out. He died in 2014.

[@Hottiedonkey]

You don't seem to know what "sobbing" or "immediately" mean.

[@melodied4314]

And that's how you bring a president, the elite of the entertainment industry, the leaders of government and industry, and the common folk to tears, cheers, and a rousing standing ovation. RIP Aretha.❤

[@StevePuckett-lm2rn]

Love all these pioneers in music. Grew up listening to them. Still touches your heart even after all these years!

[@janwilliams5292]

When you receive a standing ovation, and you still haven’t finished your song. The Queen rest in power.

[@PaulAlan-ml8yw]

Beautiful comment, how are you doing?

[@godlygirls62]

As a matter of fact, she recieved a standing ovation as she walked onto the stage. She'd not sang or played a single note. The girl was simply the GOAT

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@druboy7201]

Carole Kings' reaction to Aretha's singing he song is truly a heart stopping moment. don't think Carole was expecting that.

[@TNGURL08]

If I am correct, I believe she helped write the song she just sung? So so touching!

[@xoxolovechristielynn]

@@TNGURL08 Aretha didn’t help write this one, it was written by Carole King and Jerry Wexler but Aretha is definitely the one who turned it into MAGIC. 💜

[@TNGURL08]

@@xoxolovechristielynn 🧡🤎💛, thanks for the correction! Such a beautiful moment in time!

[@xoxolovechristielynn]

@@TNGURL08 absolutely! People like Aretha are so rare, she was truly such an icon and watching Carole watch her sing their song, was so so moving. Definitely made me choke up, especially now that Aretha has passed. What a special moment. 😭

[@damondurham5683]

Pure class

[@BRENDAWARDLE]

❤ Amazing how everyone is in a moment ❤️ ❤ Aretha 🎉

[@sophielynyeo]

Carole Kings excitement and genuine happiness is just so beautiful and warming. And the true class of these amazing women.

[@indiegirl54]

Her excitement makes me tear up every time.

[@fideliofidelio1222]

Yes !

[@suzannefajt8037]

Sophie Yeo ni

[@paulina4007]

This is the magic of music.

[@keepitreal4342]

To me it looks drug induced. Who acts like that? They are not solving world peace or hunger.

[@elizabethilling9387]

The undisputed queen of soul and queen of America. Aretha has always emanated love and joy. You shall know them by their fruits.

[@jayelove1504]

Amen, That's Aretha.....even at a late age in life, she can still bring down the house.....Queen of Soul and Music....pure Royalty!!😚

[@polljones8921]

And that, boys and girls - that is how you take it to church. Bow down to the Queen.

[@VINvIN344]

excellent quote from a book of fiction. we know septics from their fruits., dishonest warmongers

[@fingerboardingstop1961]

Fruit and NUTS for sure

[@ronaldmaki6704]

Elizabeth

[@mommengaproppe5093]

I keep coming back here, because Everything! ❤

[@drjimjam1112]

So blessed to have been alive when these music icons were belting out this epic music.

[@khalidkay6962]

Oh my God! What a woman!! What a voice!!! What a talent!!!! What happened to our generation? How come there are virtually no songs like this? Songs that can elevate the soul and the spirit. Mama Aretha Franklin, may you continue to live long among us.

[@sorrylew]

They're out there. You're just not listening.

[@chizmo7]

where?

[@sundarmann6167]

In some wonder-land...

[@lonniejames3]

Well said. :-)

[@SASSY13169]

It's the era of the NO Talented Reality "Stars".

[@ms.enchantress3478]

Aretha Franklin is LIKE NO OTHER! Honey she doesn't care about being at the Kennedy center! She brought her purse out on that stage and sat it RIGHT on top of the piano IN FRONT of her!!! Yaaasssss! 😂😂😂😂 who else does that??

[@bandfam2304]

OnlyLoyal 2TheTruth old skool!!💯😂😂😂😂

[@ladytee4269]

😂😂😂😂

[@oitsmesha7934]

Yasss honey, the Queen was well known for taking that purse on stage and aby and everywhere else!! I guess Queen said she ain't ever have to go and "get the bag" if SHE ALWAYS had the BAG ! 😉😀😂

[@RobJazzful]

She was the Queen. And what does a queen do? Whatever she goddamn pleases!

[@zmorgan1483]

The people in the back were probably “Ms. Franklin we can take it”. I could see her rolling them eyes and they like OK 😂😂

[@IMaPeecock]

3:58 Take a look at those proud faces on the left side of the stage. The moment where your whole career as a singer can never be topped, when you stand there, in awe, singing back up to the great, the perfect Aretha Franklin.

[@simplybeautiful9021]

The best thing I've done today was to come here for a does of Aretha, we miss you Ma' and happy international women's day to you wherever you are. We still love and celebrate you our queen.

[@troydanielboy]

I could and do watch this all the time. It's the classiest, most genuine, most impactful performance I've seen imo.

[@demondshaw4691]

THis was why Rolling Stones Voted her the best singer in history. Imagine her voice when she was a pup. Sheesh!

[@Shell0517nj]

yep u r correct. she is number #1 and well deserved.

[@johnparker7784]

Yeah Obongo brought america to tears with his idiocy too. Thats why you liberals were fired by the voters, "Obamas third term" died and you losers cant get over it.

[@CrAzYRiCaN1]

Well said

[@TheMakebelieve10]

how can you be a communist and a nazi at the same time ahahhah

[@hansmijsbergh6249]

Solly Bowyer )!

[@valerielowe4403]

From the very first note, no introduction is needed, you KNOW this is Aretha Franklin. Pure Gold! There will NEVER be another like her.

[@RaulPerdomo]

N E V E R !!!!!

[@juliancoats4188]

What most people don’t know when they see the president so emotional is that he and Ms Obama had known of the queen serious illness. This was just pure emotion

[@janaypagel1668]

Possibly brings back memories of his mother as well as a child it just was the song

[@Pravuss]

Such a powerful soulful performance!

[@ghaffir]

Sorry America but you made america great again when you elected Obama. Best regards, The rest of the world.

[@helene6686]

truuuu

[@ronmeehan9842]

ghaffir thank you. We are going to miss him and Michelle terribly.

[@kevingamble9050]

I love Aretha Franklin, but you are utterly wrong. He has destroyed this country, he has divided this country more than I have ever seen in my 42 years on this planet. He created ISIS, he gave IRAN 1.7 Billion dollars knowing they fund the Islamic Caliphate. Thanks GOD for PRESIDENT TRUMP

[@ErraticFaith]

Amen to that. Cant get rid of Muhammad Obama fast enough, the Kurds were saying Hillary and Obama had a hand in ISIS for ages and what happens? Clinton foundation found to be taking money from the same Saudi princes that have boasted about supporting the Islamic state. Obama already showed his colours when he said he would stick by the Muslims if forced to choose. Man is a disgrace to America. Thank God for an actual Patriot in the white house. Despite his many flaws, far rather Trump than a man behind the genocide of Christians, trading in Nuclear technology with one of the sickest regimes on the planet and likely much worse to boot.

[@nyiniamako]

You claim to love Aretha but think as a racist would? The cognitive dissonance must be challenging.

[@richardwysocki8300]

Can't give you enough thumbs up, Aretha! You're fantastic! Peace and Love, Lady!

[@rhondaboncutter5812]

Have loved Aretha since the beginning! Very inspiring!

[@colett225]

What a slaying performance... God given vocal cords! Carole King's reaction too, wow!

[@LoveMusicBad]

Amazing . . . both!

[@MsLotusBlooms]

I agree. Her voice is meant for souls in heaven to hear.

[@emileigh6524]

So many singers haven't taken care of their voice over the years. It's pretty incredible her voice still sounded this way until late in her life. Beautiful and emotional performance.

[@ArtR.cover2000]

She didnt take care of her voice at all, She went thru depression and was a chain smoker for many years of her life. Thank god her voice didnt give out.

[@phtevenz]

@@ArtR.cover2000 this is true, but she was around for a very long time and the quality of her voice always waxed and waned as she delt with all of that. She was in pretty good voice here compared to a few different times. Her voice was significantly less powerful than in her prime but she regained her upper register when she quit smoking

[@Hayabusa0019]

And no autotune.

[@laviepourme]

Absolute greatness! Past, present and future! ❤ People have no idea what this woman endured to acheive what she did... and to still be able to slay like that at an older age?😮 Come on... R E S P E C T

[@brandivasnailstation3857]

Makes me cry er time I watch this video. And I watched it the day she sang. Whew chile..them vocals💯🥰😘

[@ronkatz4230]

I am boggled that there are 1.8K people who did not like this video. This is one of the greatest performances I have ever witnessed.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

The truly sad part is, that they actually _disliked_ it. Now just think about this; what could the motivation to spend your time searching for, then going to, _just to dislike it_ be? I've thought about this and talked with others about it a number of times, and only one conclusion is ever drawn: they believe that somehow _disliking something actually increases the likeability of something they personally prefer._ And that is a real sadness. :/

[@rhondaboncutter5812]

Oh, I loved it!

[@johnhowell4098]

Haters gonna hate.

[@RobJazzful]

Right? Exactly WHAT did they dislike? All the Black Energy and Love? It makes Nazis uncomfortable, I guess.

[@Alpha-Andromeda]

They don’t approve of wearing fur. That’s an acceptable dislike. Obviously it’s not related to Aretha’s performance, so why fret?

[@salicemccool9268]

Carole King looks so shocked, so thrilled and touched, during this, even though she wrote the song. True respect for one artist from another. Tears!!

[@carolinedrury2440]

Salice McCool to

[@gabotdf]

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

[@shelleyking8450]

She was a force of nature from start to finish. One of the most amazing talents ever.

[@penandroll9287]

So happy i got to live in the times of Aretha Franklin...Love her so much

[@Ms25Alicia]

Carole King is one of the greatest song writers in history!

[@XYXY191]

A. Farrow i

[@Randyyy2468]

A. Farrow carole king and Springsteen, untouchable.