Aretha Franklin was universally acclaimed as the Queen of Soul and one of America’s greatest singers. The singer was born in 1942 in Memphis Tennessee, and her musical gifts became apparent at an early age. Largely self-taught, Aretha was regarded as a child prodigy. She first got to demonstrate her piano skills and powerful voice in front of her father’s congregation in church.
At the age of 12, Franklin began traveling with her father during his “gospel caravan” tours across the country. Inspired by her idol Sam Cooke, she decided to pursue a career in pop music and subsequently signed a deal with Columbia records in 1960. As you probably know, this was the start of a grandly celebrated career. Franklin received 18 Grammy Awards. She was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and she sang at the inauguration of Barack Obama 2009 and at both the Democratic National Convention and a memorial service for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
Aretha Franklin is remembered for her incredible versatility and talent, and as a singer who defined her time. Here are just 16 essential songs from this great musician.
Cover Image Source: Flickr
Nobody Sings This Song Quite Like Frank Sinatra!
Listen to Frank Sinatra's charming performance of Cheek to Cheek and enjoy the presentation we made to go with it.
Elton John’s Hits Absolutely Stand the Test of Time
Sometimes music is all you need to make your day better! Enjoy these timeless hits by Elton John.
Bob Dylan’s Most Evocative and Timeless Hits
Enjoy the timeless magic of the 20th century's most influential singer songwriter, Bob Dylan
If You Love Country Music, Hank Williams is Your Man!
If you're a fan of Hank Williams, then you'll definitely want to have a listen to this collection of some of his greatest hits.
The Greatest Hits of the Unforgettable David Bowie
David Bowie was an undisputed master of reinvention and one of the 20th century's great musicians. Enjoy his most memorable hits on this playlist
André Rieu Amazes Us With a Gorgeous "I Will Survive"!
André Rieu joins forces with powerhouse singer Dorona Alberti to sing "I Will Survive".
Prepare to Be Blown Away by the Dance of the Century!
It's part visuals, part dance. And combined it makes one of the more touching performances we've seen this century.
This Is What 100 Years of Dancing Look Like
This video is so creative, because it features just 2 dancers doing 100 dances with 100 changes of wardrobe. Amazing!
This Amazing Performance is a Blast from the Past!
This great tribute brings back a beautiful song from the past to send the world a wonderful message, by musicians from around the world.
Stan Munro's Toothpick Art Is Unbelievably Painstaking
This man took 6 million toothpicks and six years to create one of the most impressive miniature displays that you'll ever see.
Magnificent Metal Sculptures of Animals Made From Cutlery
Matt Wilson is an artist from South Carolina. His art is created from knives, forks or cuillères, in which he bends the metal to his will, bringing various types of animals to life.
The Most Emotional Performance of 'A Thousand Years'
Watch the Piano Guys completely stun the audience with their rendition of the timeless classic, 'A Thousand Years.'
Watch These Acrobats Defy Gravity in an Amazing Circus Act
You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching these talented Russian circus acrobats perform feats on the teeterboard like you've never seen.
Beethoven Would Have Loved This Beautiful and Musical Ode
A beautiful and mesmerizing ode to the beautiful and classic music of Beethoven.
Is This a Troupe of Acrobats or Dancers? Sublime!
This Chinese Acrobat Troupe is not just doing stunts, but has wonderful dancers as well. Don't miss this colorful and energetic performance
How Is This Possible?! This Artist Draws Like a Printer
This artist earned the nickname “the printer man” for having a unique skill of drawing freehand in small increments, just like a printer
Whoa! Witness the Perfect Blend of Humor and Magic
You've simply got to see this hilarious magic show about a sad man trying to drink away his troubles...
WATCH: This Dance Is an Ode to Beautiful Mother Nature
This shadow dance, a tribute to nature, will move you to tears through its poignancy and thanks to its stark depiction of the reality that Mother Nature faces.
This Performer is Going to Take You on a Magical Adventure
A magical act that quickly made its way to my favorites' list.
All Lovers of Films Should Watch These 7 Epic Biographies
Looking for your next cinematic obsession? You can't go wrong with these 7 epic biographical films.
I Can't Believe How Realistic These Woodland Paintings Are
Enjoy 20 of Ivan Shishkin's most beautiful paintings of woodland scenes. You won't believe that you're actually looking at a painting!
Gosh, These Artful Sculptures are Quite Brilliant
Discover some of the most creative and innovative street statues from around the world.
With These Piano Concertos You'll Be in Musical Paradise!
With the magnificence of the orchestra and the intimacy of a piano, these 24 classic piano concertos simply have it all!
This Adorable 5 Year Old Plays the Piano Like a Virtuoso
This 5 year old plays piano so well, she's a real master of the craft.
This Art Is Beautiful Beyond Belief! Take a Look...
This art is unlike anything you've ever seen. Take a look at this magnificent butterfly art!
This A-Capella Version of Hallelujah Will Give You Chills
A beautiful remake of a wonderful classic.
Classic Performance: The `Smoking Magician`!
Tom Mullica is one of the most celebrated magicians and comedians in the world, and is known for his amazing cigarette tricks. Also, his great sense of humor and showmanship make for a very entertaining show!
Macedonian 3D Artist Puts a Modern Twist on Mythology
Models of ancient gods and figures of myth with a modern twist
Arsen Kurbanov Captures the Human Condition Like No Other
These wonderful paintings are by Russian artist Arsen Kubanov. He seeks to combine old painting techniques with his own personal style to create his art.
These Stunning Oil Paintings Show the Brooding Side of Cities
This artist uses various oil painting techniques to produce stunning, atmospheric representations of modern cities.
Smile as These 2 Prove You're Never Too Old to Dance!
If you think you're too old to dance, then you'd better think again!
It's Amazing What 4 Cellos Can Achieve Together!
Enjoy an incredible mix of classical music and modern tempo when 4 cellists start playing together!
Enjoy 60 Minutes of Cirque du Soleil Magic!
Want to see one of the best modern circus shows in the world?
These Tiny Acrobats Will Leave Your Mouth Wide Open
Here is one of the most beautiful and impressive acrobatic act by the Stars of Beijing's Circus!!
The Shocking Hidden Secrets of 7 World Famous Paintings
Even paintings that have been seen for hundreds of years can reveal long lost secrets. These 7 mysteries have finally been cracked.
What This Man Built for Himself Will Astound You...
This artist decided to create a miniature version of the French capital.
When Two Masters Play Together, the Magic Is Already There
The music created by these 2 musicians is incredibly soothing and peaceful.
This Stunning Embroidery Art is Truly a Sight to Behold!
Vera Shimunia is a Russian artist who has truly mastered the art of embroidery painting. Check out some of her stunning work here!
Have You Ever Seen the Incredible Dance of 1000 Hands?
This Chinese dance requires 63 people to perform, and it's amazing!
11 Levels of Origami: A Fascinating Tutorial
Origami artist and physicist Robert J. Lang will show you 11 levels of complexity in creating paper folding art.
The Most Famous Masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci is widely held to be the greatest visual artist and all-round renaissance man in human history. Here are his 10 most famous art works.
David Hockney: From Oil Painting to Digital Art
Now in 2022, we look at David Hockney's art as it evolved with each decade, always challenging norms. We're analyzing six decades of his artistic career.
This 3-Tenor Performance is Famous For its Beauty...
Back when these 3 tenors were still with us, they made this amazing gesture to another musical genius.
You Haven’t Seen This Kind of Detail in Glass Art Before!
Glass is an unexpectedly flexible material - and artist Amber Cowan takes advantage of this fact to turn it into beautiful artwork...
16 Cute Animal Videos That'll Melt the Harshest of Frowns
A selection of 16 extremely cute animal videos that will make your day. Prepare to be overwhelmed by their cuteness.
WATCH: Bocelli Stuns Audience With An Amazing Surprise
Legendary tenor, Andrea Bocelli, does a wonderful job accompanying the lost voice of Edith Piaf in a glorious and totally unique performance.
Iris Scott Uses Her Fingers to Create Incredible Paintings
Iris Scott is a modern impressionist who uses all of her 10 fingers to paint. Her artwork, as you're about to see, is absolutely wonderful!