Aretha Franklin Collection on Late Show, 1994-2014 (full, stereo)

[@fragwagon]

My Brush with Greatness with Aretha - I was a bellhop in Chicago in the 90s, and took her bags up a couple times. I had the honor of her telling me, "Thank you baby"

[@djf750]

but no tip? well actually, to hear that from her is better than a tip

[@fragwagon]

djf750 haha, truly. One of her Entourage or assistants gave me five bucks. She had a ton of dress racks. She was genuinely sweet though

[@michellew.7978]

Huh, thats sweet

[@zizzinpuss]

I am sincerely jealous

[@hotward2000]

fragwagon you didn’t get a picture ?

[@musicjunkie7549]

She just opened her mouth and nothing but pure soul came out.. Dang

[@hopelee9917]

Amen!!!!

[@SarumanDeWhite]

That's right baby

[@ioanatiberian6565]

you know what bothers me, man? (sorry for calling u "man", 'cause I don't know u) I'm from fucking insipid and insignificant Romania, but I LOVE & MOST OF ALL RESPECT THIS MUSIC & THIS ART. & I simply hate these Hollywood Manufactured Robot Famous Over the Night Kids who are paying tribute to her on tv night shows. I don't give a fuck about their fake love and admiration for Aretha Franklin. They could be talented, but this is not talent. This is SOUL, as it's called. This is THE FUCKING REAL THING. & when the "thing" is for real, that means we're talking about ART. I'm not a snob, but I do appreciate & live for art & I don't like it when some nobodies in terms of authenticity and artistic sincerity try to pay tribute or anything to a great artist like Aretha Franklin.

[@CarlosCruz-ll5ez]

Yes couldn't agree with you more, there will never ever be another Queen of soul!

[@SarumanDeWhite]

Ioana Tiberian About their fake love and admiration yeah you're right. Just want to look cool but it's all marketing for themselves.

[@destinypowers1146]

love you always Aretha xxxxxx beautiful angel Always and forever the best

[@summerholliday44]

I love the way David Letterman treats Aretha Franklin like the royalty she is I never see him falling over anyone like he does about her I'm All About Aretha God bless you

[@starling9172]

I think all people treated her like that. They realized how special she is. Just special.

[@dreamitable]

@@starling9172 sOME INTERRUPTED HER IN INTERVIEWS, LIKE tHE VIEW, I DID NOT LIKE THAT....

[@jammzy2959]

She had her classics but "A Rose is Still a Rose" is my fav.... RIP

[@birdhead73]

Love that one too

[@darciajohnson9356]

My jam!

[@antioneterry5265]

mine too

[@vineconnected5761]

That scat 😍

[@jmatt4life]

She was WONDERFUL! How did we deserve her??? Thank You, God!!!

[@fredaydaybae8450]

jmatt4life truly

[@susank407]

jmatt4life You just made me cry with that comment!

[@jazzmanchgo]

We didn't. She was a blessing.

[@baobabs727]

I watched the whole thing! What a treat!

[@jeanneschultzafuvai7087]

Her speaking voice was also amazing. She used words so beautifully & so authentically. She could do more with one word then most singers do with an entire song. Mahalo Nui, Beautiful Aretha. We will miss you. 😢

[@robinburks2217]

You are so right, Her speaking voice was Beautiful as well.

[@SarumanDeWhite]

I always thought that too. Nice.

[@charlesdotson4766]

Yes, her speaking voice was absolutely beautiful, smooth and clear.

[@LuLu-nw6bi]

Absolutely, beautiful and wise speaker. Lovely speaking voice and I love her accent too.

[@watergreg5836]

i listen to her speaking in her interviews to fall asleep

[@tjohnsonz]

Aretha Franklin is the REAL QUEEN of soul..........and nobody else!!!

[@maureenruggeri5026]

Amen to that!

[@keensterd3654]

The one and only

[@colorpurple4623]

I agree, always has been, and always will be!

[@mlbk7848]

no need the say "real" there's only one! A-R-E-T-H-A

[@jessegibson857]

Man it’s so beautiful when the recorded voice you buy is the same voice you hear in live performance.

[@9ether-]

Wow! The Respect and Admiration that David Letterman had for The Queen of Soul. Such a Joy to see! R.I.P Aretha Franklin.

[@guitarnut6144]

As others have alluded to here, Dave appreciated real talent. He celebrated her talent and enjoyed sharing it here. In the early NBC days there were several cool and surprising guests sitting in with the band; the music was always a highlight of the show.

[@Manila-wo3pi]

She had respect for herself and so demanded it from others.

[@sherriewright9666]

I absolutely loved this interview! David treated her with the upmost respect she deserves and she was comfortable with him! ❤❤

[@Deon158]

#Wow!!! she's killing it..and that hair cut looks really really good on her..

[@fredaydaybae8450]

She is fkn KILLING THIS! I can’t quit watching this! Pride and Think....omG!!!! I’ve been watching just this for the past week non STOP! So awesome!!!

[@keensterd3654]

She looks wonderful with that cut

[@jimiclemente1]

Queen of soul? Try the queen of every dang thing Untouchable

[@Nonrelatable_t]

Right!!

[@soulchild61]

She always curtsied which is very old school classy

[@lahomabennett9028]

She is the Queen💕

[@Chutney1luv]

This is Classic Gold! We miss Aretha Franklin! 🎶🎤🎶

[@SWART2424]

That voice, range was amazing....God bless you Aretha rest in Heaven.

[@writerwiz9868]

what a genuinely nice and humble person she was.

[@rubytoosday1776]

Recently learned she was God mother to Whitney must fibroid her heart when Whitney couldn't escape the drugs

[@rango102]

I am heartbroken over the loss of you"Queen" of Soul" this is not easy to know you never grace us with your presence again. But your legacy and spirit will definitely live on, on and on, etc. Missing you forever a fan always!

[@robmorrison1043]

The singer all other greats look to in awe. The greatest of her generation, who set the bar so high that few if any can ever reach it. It always felt like a religious experience, and a soul cleansing after watching Aretha perform. For me, all the soul singers who came from the church, gospel background had the greatest understanding, musicality and vocal ability than most others, and none showed this more than Aretha. Its nice to see Dave treat her with the respect and class she deserved each time she was on!

[@newgmodo5609]

Your comments have rendered me speechless! I couldn’t have said it better myself! Amen.

[@SamSung-zx9tb]

The ENERGY was electrifying!!!! 😍😄😍😄😍😄😍😄😍😄😍😄 RIP QUEEN ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@annemoore733]

Enjoying her visits with Dave. I love how she "gets" Dave! RIP Aretha... thanks for everything!

[@desaraymicheals5390]

This was so bitter sweet, David loved her. He kissed her hand each time. It seemed like he knew the 2014 performance would be the last time she would perform. ❤

[@dongiller]

Everyone knew: he had announced his retirement months before.

[@user-uf5rr6kh9h]

@@dongiller lol she was referring to Aretha not Letterman's retirement. shocked nobody corrected this in 4 yrs. 😆

[@NevadaBoss]

Great post...impossible to overstate how important an artist Aretha was, on every level...singer, musician, civil rights icon...There will never be another comparable artist.

[@tubester4567]

What about Tina turner, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Etta James, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Patti LaBelle?

[@dongiller]

This isn't a competition. Please, no wagering.

[@bubujooestes1499]

She is so eloquent in all her interviews.Doesn't stumble .Ready with her answers.

[@popland1977]

+tubester4567 Some of them like Ella equaled her in vocal musicianship. Patti Labelle often lost the melody with over singing

[@susank407]

bubu joo Estes and she never went past the 10th grade. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

[@howdyeverybody1761]

Thank you, Thank you Paul Shaffer for such memorable musical arrangements showcasing Aretha, Darlene Love and so many other female vocalists who visited the Letterman shows over those glorious years. Future generations will be forever grateful.

[@TheNYHITTINGACADEMY]

David Letterman's favorite singer of all times, around 1992 she gave up smoking and you can hear it in her voice. clear, and on fire with her top range and tones

[@jameezmom6194]

I've watched this entire video....greatness at its best! RIP Aretha....Rest Well....Thank you for leaving us a beautiful body of work!

[@TheFelicia364]

Jameez Mom AMEN

[@moclips1]

thank you for posting this, Don. And thank you, GOD, for giving us Aretha.

[@rbeeyswan]

Steve Christiansen yess lord yesss thanQ heavenly father!! We love n adore ur gift called Aretha..🙏💕💕💕🌹🌹🌹

[@PedroSilva-pt3iv]

I'M SO THANKFUL TOO

[@karimasalaam5132]

Steve Christiansen i

[@boblowney]

I love watching this and them both aging gracefully over the years!

[@WVMUSIC_NL]

sometimes someone great passes away, and you knew him or her not that well yet. Yes i knew Aretha from the Diva’s live in 1998 on tv and of course some of her greatest hits, but i never really knew how she was, who she was. And in the past week i saw a lot of videos and now this one...what a great personality and fantastic singer she was..

[@starling9172]

She,I feel was so much more.She is who any other performers would look to ,to see how it's done.She is the It on 'soulness' who cannot be compared to no other.#1 soulsista

[@starling9172]

Thank you for posting this. I learned the character of David Letterman. He kept inviting Me Franklin back to the Ed Sullivan Theatre,the place that cut her from the show as a young lady.knowing it would ease her hurt.

[@computerweenie]

What a beautiful classy woman. She fought racism at an early age just to obtain the respect that she deserved.

[@Thomasgene]

God Blessed Us With Aretha Franklin's Talent! She Will Be Missed!

[@EasyPersuasionTPS]

Mama Aretha can sing anything she's so great she can sing the phone book 👑❤🌹

[@christellynnbarnes7797]

Yes YESSS...she can sing the phone book

[@rightasrain3680]

God bless Aretha Franklin. Nobody shall ever grace our path the way she did. A voice from God.

[@rmontoya90066]

A stellar performance! Bravo!!👏👏👏👏👏 This performance truly impacted the world! Truly a class act, NO ONE can duplicate her magnificent work. Self taught pianist, studied Opera and was extremely maticulous. The greatest female performer of my life time, Ms. Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul, you're truly a National treasure!

[@geraldsimmons1207]

David Letterman love him some Aretha

[@bubujooestes1499]

Her hair is so beautiful.

[@sashineb.2114]

Thank you, Don, for doing this for us. And thank you to Aretha, the eternal Queen of Soul. Rest in Peace, dear Lady Soul.

[@pcraig1383]

Funky strings on A Rose is Still a Rose...jammin. Nice collection.

[@soundseeker63]

Marvelous performances and interviews! The world has lost a true legend :'-( Thank you Aretha for blessing the world with your heavenly music. Gone but never forgotten.

[@yg-lc4ll]

I thank God for sending us MS Franklin to all of us. Her music is not only music, but blessed by from the one above yes, God. She blessed us all from the strongest to the weakest to the best to beautiful. She gave us strength, to touching us in our hearts, to touching our souls. She gave me such wonderful eveninsg on a lonely Saturday night to the greatest of celebrations. She wasn't only a singer she was a vocalists with an inspiration which few aspire to. What a wonder!

[@MsMooreski1]

Been cruising web/apps for some good quality Aretha content! So happy to find this. Thank you! I enjoy and appreciate it.

[@ladyplum4851]

Can't thank you enough for this upload. She will always be the Queen of Soul.

[@howardmccauley7878]

Greatness that can't be forgotten or duplicated. What an absolute fantastic human being. Forever the Queen of Soul.

[@22ergie]

Rest in Peace Miss Franklin

[@Santiago_Apollo]

Thank God for blessing us with such a beautiful talent!!!

[@BronzieBee-vx3dn]

This was a real treat

[@janierunaway112]

No words, just joyful tears. Thank you, Don.

[@chanta6116]

She could sing paint off of walls! Her voice is liquid gold

[@keensterd3654]

She was the greatest

[@patkeeler6645]

Can do a sad song

[@christellynnbarnes7797]

YESSSS...sing paint 🎨off walls....

[@vanessalowe3819]

36:20 Great to see Cissy singing backup. Ms.Aretha is a treasure of music.

[@NoName-go9us]

Vanessa Lowe this what she did, song back up for many artist including Elvis.

[@rayrock90]

I loved watching her reminded me of my gramma!

[@brandonharris5582]

So happy that David Letterman acknowledged Whitney's mom as a backup singer!!! :) :) :)

[@sammierandall5634]

Vanessa Lowe She acted like she didn't want to be there everybody's having fun she just standing there.

[@bigpoppy0617]

​@@sammierandall5634I was more shocked that she was even there because this is beyond the point where she said she would never sing secular music again. She said she would only sing for Jesus. Even at one of Whitney's concerts she refused to sing with her, but finally mixed up the song and turned it religious. So I don't know what changed her mind for this moment. Maybe she did it as a personal favor butstill wasn't thrilled

[@Rickbo2000]

This woman is the best ever...I’ve been watching videos all morning... no comparison

[@finnibertlunchiken7792]

Poor Aretha. No. Poor world.

[@Msdian100]

Aretha lived a full life! You’re right...poor world without her!

[@bridgetdraper5146]

I never imagined a world without Ms. Franklin.

[@AC-kl8gi]

😭😭😭😭😭😭Me either!😭😭😭😭

[@StevenCarinci]

But we now have Taylor Swift.

[@HerDestiny]

The Best .. 🎶🎵. 👑 RIP. Aretha. "Queen Of Soul". 🙏

[@davidwhitehurst568]

Aretha isn't just the queen of soul she's the queen of music period

[@Nonrelatable_t]

exactly

[@mszan1]

A deeper love happens to be one of my favorite up beat tempo songs from her. I'm from Chicago and as a young girl, I was a deep house music head. I use to cut the dance floor up when the DJ played A Deeper Love...Rest on dear heart, rest on.

[@MercOne]

They have a great time together, they're both funny together and she's really at ease with David. Love it.

[@valenciashelton6229]

My thanks. This is just superb and serves as a reminder of her greatness and the ease with which she moved in her artistry is regal. Rest in Peace, Queen!

[@colorpurple4623]

"the ease with which she moved in her artistry is regal" Wonderfully put, I love it!!

[@kyradudley251]

Omg her Voice is pure Gold What a blessing we had amongst us❤🌸🙏Rest in Paradise Queen 👑

[@uniquelloyd1720]

Yes it is.. By the way your extremely beautiful

[@Santiago_Apollo]

The undisputed forever Queen Mother of Soul

[@rosemedallion2848]

I will cherish the life Aretha Franklin lived before my time.Very inspiring and encouraging. A legacy never get old. She left me some real life lessons. Not wanting to sing when her dad told her but stuck with the plan whatever life put before her-she sang. Thank God she heard and obeyed the voice that has ushered her into the presence of Abba Father.

[@bubujooestes1499]

Her voice is pure gold.Everybody wants to sing and dance along with her.True entertainer like Michael Jackson

[@jennylake2009]

Thank you for this collection. This is just what I needed today to celebrate her talent.

[@TheTessEffects]

I sat here and watched it all knowing I got work to do. Thank you for uploading and RIP Aretha. 😢

[@timoliver3131]

Thanks Don, this download is very much appreciated.

[@Santiago_Apollo]

Love, love, love Aretha Franklin. A true musical genius and master!

[@minnesotacoco5297]

Thank you for putting these clips together. I will miss the excitement I used to get knowing that Aretha, the Queen of Soul, was going to perform. She was my big sister. She will be soooooooooo missed. I thank God I had an opportunity to experience her greatness. Rest in Peace Queen.

[@minnesotacoco5297]

Ohhhh, by the way, I was a HUGE David Letterman fan. So it was good to see him too!!!!

[@latashajohnson5153]

Aretha inspired me so much, to play an sing an David Letterman was awesome interwing her also.😊 l loved her voice now all i have is memories an thank God for them

[@1116may11]

Dave had the best musical guests. Class by all. Great upload. RIP Rere

[@iseeyou3930]

She always sang about relevant issues and that's why she is the Queen

[@empowercarole11]

Thank you for the memories. A wonderful compilation of the television appearances and performances of the QUEEN of Soul.

[@TomKMWillaert]

An Icon! The world lost an angel. Her inspiration, energy and voice will flow forever though. Thank god for that! RIP Aretha Franklin.

[@marlishamarsh1573]

Thanks for this time capsule! Yes watching both age in their arena was quite the treat! ♥️ Aretha Franklin Respect David Letterman

[@george00719]

Thank you for posting I watched them all..wow I had no idea how versatile she was.It was a real treat..Mr. Letterman worshipped her I do too now, such a lovely person..I am sad but happy.

[@sugarwhitemike123]

the may 18,1999 "Nessun Dorma" o m g $$$PRICELESS$$$

[@Plusty07]

michael neugent ...agradable

[@cherylsimmons3360]

My girl Aretha Franklin No one can take the place of her Aretha Franklin will always be our queen of soul Your music will always be played in my home RIP Queen Aretha Franklin🌹

[@kathleensilva2414]

What a sweet woman she was.RIP Queen of Soul.💝😢

[@cynthiaartis3649]

Awesome... Thanks so much for the upload.. my all-time favorite female artist..

[@indirawilliams9132]

Thank you for posting! Great clips from my favorite late night show./host R.I.P. Queen!

[@cedarshoals529]

Saw a documentary in which she was doing the Muscle Shoals sessions. There was a lot improv going on and the producer stopped the music and said he was looking for more of a jazz flavor in the song. Aretha said well you know I don't play jazz but Ill try my best and then broke into this jazz piano that was just amazing! That was the genius of Aretha, she was so good that she had massive talent that she didn't even know she had. We will never see anything like Aretha Franklin again. She played one "instrument" better than all others...peoples souls!

[@hotfries8589]

RIP Queen of soul

[@DetroitLives313]

Thank you for this.

[@soniaadair6818]

Beautiful memories of the queen of soul. I see you Sissy Houston singing background on Rolling in the deep. Thank you for sharing.

[@iansg75]

much R-E-S-P-E-C-T Donz

[@willysbarnes5683]

I was a young man of 14 yrs old. I worked at Burger King at the time,and my very 1st Album I brought with my hard earned money was a Album "Aretha's Gold". I played this Album all the time. Aretha touched something in me that very few performers came close but not quite. It's always been Aretha. "Long Live The Queen of Soul".

[@dongiller]

An excellent first-album choice.

[@sabrinajohnson4360]

I noticed in her interviews when people try to make her lie, she would always come back with the truth without making the interviewer look bad. What a class act.

[@colorpurple4623]

IKR, I NOTICE THAT TOO.

[@jimiclemente1]

I really love you Aretha.....God bless you in heaven and bless your family... Thank you for your love and kindness I love you

[@stevehorowitz3853]

Hey Don, Nice goin' with this collection of Aretha appearnces on Dave. Great memories, laughs and incredible performances from the Queen of Soul. She will be missed!

[@MillyPalomino]

Thank you, Donz. Very much appreciated.

[@1houroflove186]

Don Giller, you the David Letterman museum curator.

[@dac8137]

Don thank you so much for having the vision to record preserve and share these moments in Aretha's Dave's and TV history. What a joy it has been to watch on Easter weekend during the 2021 covid19 season.

[@lubomusicman]

truly a gift from God, to have a voice like that!!!! yes, she is amazing!!! she will live on in our hearts, souls and spirits!:)

[@jocelynhkcarter]

JocelynhkCarter: "A Rose is still a Rose" a song with a positive message to women, "You have the Power! The Queen has spoken!

[@jazzmanchgo]

She knew whereof she sang -- her first husband, Ted White, was abusive. She finally extricated herself from that relationship, but it took a toll on her for a long time.

[@kathleenbergeron1292]

Fascinating to watch them both grow old over the years, yet both are consistently great!

[@willysbarnes5683]

What a beatiful thing to say. I personally see beauty the way you just elegantly described. Thank you.

[@randiruiz96]

Aretha Franklin the Queen of Soul** She'll Be Remember for Sure! God Bless her always.

[@diniastuart3137]

Only God that feel my pain it hurts so badd my heart is breaking I loved Aretha so badd

[@sylvester01ful]

I've heard about her--like everyone. Now that I can't escape all the tributes, I'm paying attention. And I definitely get it!

[@colorpurple4623]

you made me smile, thank you.

[@KeizerHedorah]

that first song had me groovin in my seat yo

[@deneenjeffries2768]

Great performances and interviews! Thanks for posting it! RIP Aretha ❤️

[@theresatoomer5578]

Aretha was Dave biggest fan no doubt!

[@catherinefrye7269]

I love everything about the Queen of Soul, especially her music which touches my soul!❤🤗❤

[@willysbarnes5683]

I have all of our Queens music, Albums and CD. Long live The Queen of Soul in our hearts 💕.