Aretha Franklin
Follow the latest Aretha Franklin news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
3 years ago

Marlon Wayans dishes on Aretha Franklin biopic

The actor and comedian stars with Jennifer Hudson in the highly anticipated “Respect.”
3 years ago
VIDEO: Marlon Wayans dishes on Aretha Franklin biopic
3 years ago

Jennifer Hudson talks playing Aretha Franklin: 'It's the scariest thing'

Jennifer Hudson discussed the pressures of playing Aretha Franklin in "Respect" and how the late legend gave her courage to play the role.
3 years ago
Jennifer Hudson is seen in a scene from "Respect."
3 years ago

Jennifer Hudson talks new film 'Respect'

Aretha Franklin picked the Grammy and Oscar winner to portray her in the new film.
3 years ago
VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson talks new film 'Respect'
3 years ago

Jennifer Hudson talks about playing Aretha Franklin in the new film 'Respect'

The Grammy Award-winning singer and Academy Award-winning actress was personally chosen by the queen of soul to play her in a film.
3 years ago
VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson talks about playing Aretha Franklin in the new film 'Respect'
3 years ago

Jennifer Hudson recalls friendship with the late Aretha Franklin

Jennifer Hudson opened up about her friendship with Aretha Franklin and how it impacted the way she played her in the biopic film "Respect."
3 years ago
VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson talks about playing Aretha Franklin in the new film 'Respect'
3 years ago

1st look at 'Respect' trailer

The new film about Aretha Franklin, the queen of soul, stars Jennifer Hudson and is set for release in August.
3 years ago
VIDEO: 1st look at ‘Respect’ trailer
4 years ago

Courtney B. Vance on playing Aretha Franklin’s father

Vance shares what he learned about the iconic singer while starring in the anthology series, “Genius: Aretha.”
4 years ago
VIDEO: Courtney B. Vance on playing Aretha Franklin’s father
5 years ago

Jennifer Hudson rides bus 13 hours to pay tribute to Aretha Franklin

Lara Spencer reports the buzziest stories of the day in "GMA" Pop News.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson rides bus 13 hours to pay tribute to Aretha Franklin
5 years ago

3 handwritten wills found in Aretha Franklin's home: Lawyer

One will was found under couch cushions in her living room; her attorney is asking the court to determine if they are valid.
5 years ago
One will was found under couch cushions in her living room; her attorney is asking the court to determine if they are valid.
5 years ago

Aretha Franklin's handwritten wills discovered

Lara Spencer reports the buzziest stories of the day in "GMA" Pop News.
5 years ago
VIDEO: Aretha Franklin's handwritten wills discovered
6 years ago

'Amazing Grace': Exclusive look at never-aired footage of Aretha Franklin

The new documentary about the "Queen of Soul" features never-aired footage of Franklin recording her legendary gospel album that's been hidden for half a century.
6 years ago
VIDEO:  'Amazing Grace': Exclusive look at never-aired footage of Aretha Franklin
6 years ago

Aretha Franklin seen like never before in new documentary 'Amazing Grace'

There's an all new documentary about Aretha Franklin called "Amazing Grace."
6 years ago
Aretha Franklin poses for a portrait in Philadelphia, July 26, 2010. Franklin died Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at her home in Detroit.  She was 76.
6 years ago

Unearthed footage from the brand new Aretha Franklin documentary 'Amazing Grace'

Just months after the legendary soul singer died, family members reflect on her legacy ahead of the release of "Amazing Grace."
6 years ago
VIDEO: Aretha Franklin's family reflects on the late singer's legacy
6 years ago

Detroit Pistons honor Aretha Franklin at season opener

The NBA team played a recording of Franklin's singing the national anthem.
6 years ago
Honorary Degree Recipient Aretha Franklin sings the National Anthem at the opening of the 363rd Commencement Ceremony at Harvard University, on May 29, 2014, in Cambridge, Mass.
6 years ago

Highlights of star-studded funeral for the 'Queen of Soul'

More than 100 pink Cadillacs parked outside Aretha Franklin's funeral in homage to her hit, "Freeway of Love."
6 years ago
VIDEO: Highlights of star-studded funeral for the 'Queen of Soul'
6 years ago

A final goodbye to Aretha Franklin: Celebrities gather for funeral celebration

Family and friends honored the singer and celebrated her life in a star-studded funeral and concert.
6 years ago
VIDEO:  A final goodbye to Aretha Franklin: Celebrities gather for funeral celebration
6 years ago

Patti LaBelle, Four Tops and more celebrate Aretha Franklin at concert in Detroit

On the eve of Aretha Franklin's funeral, musicians and fans gathered at the Chene Park Amphitheatre in Detroit Thursday night for “A People's Tribute to the Queen."
6 years ago
Roquel Payton, Abdul Fakir, Ronnie McNeir, and Harold Bonhart of The Four Tops celebrate the life of Aretha Franklin at a tribute concert, Aug. 30, 2018, in Detroit.
6 years ago

Aretha Franklin: Defining what it meant to be a diva: Part 2

Franklin, who died Thursday at the age of 76, embodied a voice not only for herself, but also the Civil Rights Movement.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Aretha Franklin: Defining what it meant to be a diva: Part 2
6 years ago

Jennifer Hudson sings 'Amazing Grace' at Aretha Franklin funeral

Singers like Chaka Khan and Faith Hill took the stage to ensure the Queen of Soul lived on through her music.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson sings 'Amazing Grace' at Aretha Franklin funeral
6 years ago

Stars, family and friends pack church to remember Aretha Franklin

It was announced that a park where a gospel concert was held in her honor would be renamed for her.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Stars, family and friends pack church to remember Aretha Franklin
6 years ago

Musical funeral services honor Aretha Franklin

Bill Clinton, Smokey Robinson and other stars honor the late diva in Detroit.
6 years ago
Bill Clinton, Smokey Robinson and other stars honor the late diva in Detroit.
6 years ago

Aretha Franklin to be laid to rest in star-studded funeral

Artists including Patti LaBelle performed in front of thousands of fans in Detroit ahead of Friday's funeral for the "Queen of Soul."
6 years ago
VIDEO: Aretha Franklin to be laid to rest in star-studded funeral
6 years ago

Everything we know about Aretha Franklin's 5-hour funeral celebration

Only an icon, who impacted the world the way Aretha Franklin did, could warrant something as grand as a five-and-a-half-hour funeral.
6 years ago
Aretha Franklin poses for a portrait in Philadelphia, July 26, 2010. Franklin died Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at her home in Detroit.  She was 76.
6 years ago

Taylor Swift performs touching tribute to Aretha Franklin in icon's hometown

Taylor Swift paid a special tribute to the late "Queen of Soul" Tuesday night, as she stopped her concert in Detroit to hold a moment of silence for the icon who died ear
6 years ago
Taylor Swift performs on stage during the Taylor Swift reputation Stadium Tour at Hard Rock Stadium, Aug. 18, 2018, in Miami, Fla.
6 years ago

Fans flock to Detroit to pay final respects to Aretha Franklin

The "Queen of Soul" was dressed in red and laid in a gold-plated casket as mourners lined up to bid farewell.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Fans flock to Detroit to pay final respects to Aretha Franklin
6 years ago

Fans pour into Detroit to pay final respects to Aretha Franklin at public viewing

Fans of Aretha Franklin poured into Detroit to bid farewell to the "Queen of Soul" at a public viewing.
6 years ago
The casket carrying the late singer Aretha Franklin arrives at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History where she will lie in state for two days of public viewing in Detroit, Aug. 28, 2018.
6 years ago

'GMA' Hot List: Weeklong tribute to Aretha Franklin kicks off

Plus, police officers in Kentucky and nurses in Arizona experience a baby boom.
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'GMA' Hot List: Weeklong tribute to Aretha Franklin kicks off
6 years ago

Hundreds line up for public viewing of Aretha Franklin in Detroit

Viewing is taking place at the museum of African-American history in Detroit.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Hundreds line up for public viewing of Aretha Franklin in Detroit
6 years ago

Celebrating the 'Queen of Soul'

Fans descend on Detroit for the viewing of Aretha Franklin.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Celebrating the 'Queen of Soul'
6 years ago

'Celebration of Life' services planned for Aretha Franklin

The "Queen of Soul" will be honored by some of music's biggest names in her hometown of Detroit.
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'Celebration of Life' services planned for Aretha Franklin
6 years ago

Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill and more to perform at Aretha Franklin's funeral

A private service for Franklin, 76, who died last week, will be held Aug. 31.
6 years ago
Aretha Franklin poses for a portrait in Philadelphia, July 26, 2010. Franklin died Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at her home in Detroit.  She was 76.
6 years ago

'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin has died at 76

Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul” whose booming voice helped define a music genre and provided an inspirational soundtrack for Civil Rights-era struggles, has died.
6 years ago
In this April 19, 2017, file photo, Aretha Franklin performs at the world premiere of "Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives" at Radio City Music Hall, during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival in New York.
6 years ago

Madonna responses to criticism of Aretha Franklin tribute at the VMAs

Lara Spencer reports the buzziest stories of the day in "GMA" Pop News.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Madonna responses to criticism of Aretha Franklin tribute at the VMAs
6 years ago

VMA's to play homage to late music legend Aretha Franklin

A behind-the-scenes peek at MTV's biggest night and a look back at its iconic moments.
6 years ago
VIDEO: VMA's to play homage to late music legend Aretha Franklin
6 years ago

Celebrating Aretha Franklin

Smokey Robinson reflects on his favorite memories with the "Queen of Soul."
6 years ago
VIDEO: Celebrating Aretha Franklin
6 years ago

Celebrities, fans remember Aretha Franklin, who died at age 76: Part 1

Franklin, known as the "Queen of Soul," died in her hometown of Detroit on Thursday, a result of advanced pancreatic cancer.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Celebrities, fans remember Aretha Franklin, who died at age 76: Part 1
6 years ago

Smokey Robinson reflects on legacy of Aretha Franklin

Legendary singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson recalled on "Good Morning America" Friday the first time he met the last Aretha Franklin as a child.
6 years ago
Aretha Franklin hugs Smokey Robinson at a rehearsal for the 'Aretha Franklin: Duets' concert to benefit the Gay Men's Health Crisis at the Nederlander Theater in April 1993 in New York.
6 years ago

Smokey Robinson reflects on the legacy of his longtime friend Aretha Franklin

Robinson speaks out live on "GMA" after the death of his friend and fellow musician, Franklin.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Smokey Robinson reflects on the legacy of his longtime friend Aretha Franklin
6 years ago

Aretha Franklin describes musical history of her Detroit neighborhood

The late singer spoke on "GMA" in 1986 about her old neighborhood, where Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross also once lived.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Aretha Franklin describes musical history of her Detroit neighborhood
6 years ago

The legacy of 'R-E-S-P-E-C-T' as the world mourns Aretha Franklin

The death of Aretha Franklin is sparking reflection on her two-time Grammy-winning song, "Respect," which arguably catapulted the singer to the title of "Queen of Soul."
6 years ago
Aretha Franklin sings in the Atlantic Records studio during a recording session, Jan. 9, 1969, in New York City.
6 years ago

'Outpouring of love' from actors, musicians mourning the death of Aretha Franklin

Actors, musicians and many others mourn the iconic loss of Aretha Franklin.
6 years ago
Aretha Franklin performs during the inauguration ceremony for President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.,Jan. 20, 2009.
6 years ago

Tributes pour in for the 'Queen of Soul'

Stars from Diana Ross and Beyonce to Barack Obama paid heartfelt tributes to Aretha Franklin after her death at age 76.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Tributes pour in for the 'Queen of Soul'
6 years ago

'Music is my thing': Aretha Franklin, in her own words

The music icon got her start in the church with her father as her singing coach.
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'Music is my thing': Aretha Franklin, in her own words
6 years ago

Aretha Franklin dies at 76

"Queen of Soul" passed away in her Detroit home.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Aretha Franklin dies at 76
6 years ago

The Briefing Room: Rep. John Lewis remembers Aretha Franklin

FiveThirtyEight releases their midterm forecast while jurors deliberate Manafort case.
6 years ago
VIDEO: The Briefing Room: Rep. John Lewis remembers Aretha Franklin
6 years ago

'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin dead at 76

The legendary singer known for "Respect" died in Detroit Thursday.
6 years ago
VIDEO: 'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin dead at 76
6 years ago

ABC News Live: Remembering Aretha Franklin

Plus, the Manafort trial verdict could come today as Trump faces backlash for revoking ex-CIA Director John Brennan's security clearance.
6 years ago
VIDEO: ABC News Live: Remembering Aretha Franklin
6 years ago

Watch Franklin's iconic performance at Obama's 2009 inauguration

Barack Obama's 2009 Presidential Inauguration was a generation-defining moment and no one was more suited to bring it home than the "Queen of Soul" herself, Aretha Frankl
6 years ago
Aretha Franklin performs at the inauguration for President Barack Obama at the Capitol, Jan. 20, 2009.
6 years ago

'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin has died, report says

Known simply by her first name, Franklin was a cultural icon whose career spanned six decades and traversed various genres of music.
6 years ago
VIDEO: Known simply by her first name, Franklin was a cultural icon whose career spanned six decades and traversed various genres of music.
6 years ago

Aretha Franklin sings at Obama's inauguration

The Queen of Soul performed "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" minutes before Barack Obama was sworn in as president in 2009.
6 years ago
VIDEO: The Queen of Soul performed "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" minutes before Barack Obama was sworn in as president in 2009.