The “Queen Of Soul” Aretha Franklin Had A Career That Deserves Your Respect

She’s Performed At The Inauguration Of Three U.S. Presidents

Photo Credit: Mark Reinstein/Getty Images

Franklin’s career has obviously spanned over a number of generations, and nothing highlights that more than her three inauguration performances for three very different U.S. Presidents.

She first performed during Jimmy Carter’s Presidential inauguration in 1977, where she would sing “God Bless America.” She would again be invited back for Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993. In fact, Franklin headlined a concert that kicked off the entire Clinton/Gore inaugural campaign. Finally, Franklin would perform “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” at the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009.