From her humble beginnings in music as an adorable teenage prodigy to all of her musical accomplishments throughout an impressive, lasting career, Aretha Franklin has always commanded positive attention and admiration.
If you thought it was hard to ignore the allure of her inimitable voice and its enviable range, it may prove impossible to take your eyes off these stunning pictures of the Queen of Soul doing her thing.
READ MORE: Powerhouse Performances From Aretha Franklin That Proves She Will Always Be The Queen Of Soul
Amid reports of her failing health, NewsOne wanted to provide the below snapshot (actually, 100 of them) into Aretha’s professional and personal lives, which were documented via these perfect photographs. Together, they paint a vivid, collective picture of someone whose clear passion was singing, entertaining and bringing joy into the lives of those she sang for over the course of nearly six decades in the public eye.
They include, but definitely aren’t limited to, vintage images of: her historic performance at the inauguration of 44th President Barack Obama in 2009; receiving an honorary doctorate from Harvard University; and a number of her hundreds of performances all around the world.
Here they are, in no particular order.
Aretha Franklin Through The Years: 100 Vintage Pictures Of The Queen of Soul was originally published on newsone.com
1. Aretha Franklin Standing with Her Brother
3/1/1975 – New York, NY: Singer Aretha Franklin is shown holding an Award at the Grammy Awards ceremony here. She is with her brother, Reverend Franklin.
2. Lesley Ann Warren, Aretha Franklin, and Ali MacGraw
Lesley Ann Warren, Aretha Franklin, and Ali MacGraw, in New York for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Joffrey Ballet.
3. Aretha Franklin’s 74th Birthday Celebration
Aretha Franklin attends Aretha Franklin’s 74th Birthday Celebration at The Ritz Carlton Hotel on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Steve Mack/Getty Images)
4. Christie Brinkley Getting Autograph From Aretha Franklin
Super model Christie Brinkley asks Aretha Franklin for an autograph on a Polaroid picture backstage at during the ‘Merv Griffin Show.’
5. Aretha Franklin concert in Austin
Aretha Franklin performs in concert at ACL Live on September 3, 2014 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Suzanne Cordeiro/Corbis via Getty Images)
6. Aretha Franklin Holding Grammy
3/14/1972-New York, NY-Portrait of Aretha ‘Lady Soul’ Franklin holding her Grammy for ‘Best Rhythm and Blues Female Perfomer,’ at Madison Square Garden in New York.
7. ‘Motown: The Musical’
Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin attending the Broadway World Premiere Launch for ‘Motown: The Musical’ at the Nederlander in New York. Sept. 27, 2012 (Photo by Walter McBride/Corbis via Getty Images)
8. Aretha Franklin Sings During Memorial Service
Aretha Franklin (L) sings during the memorial service for gospel singer Mahalia Jackson at McCormick Place. As she sang ‘Precious Lord,’ mourners broke into tears and some fainted. About 5,000 persons attended the service.
9. BET Honors
Aretha Franklin arriving for the BET Honors 2012 at the Warner Theatre on January 14, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Walter McBride/Corbis via Getty Images)
