Respect Her R-E-C-E-I-P-T-S! 9 Of Aretha Franklin's History-Making Career Moments

By Lauren Porter · Updated October 23, 2020

With the passing of Aretha Franklin at age 76, we’ve lost another legend we won’t soon forget. As fans across the globe mourn Ms. Franklin’s death, we know that in addition to her many contributions to music and activism, her history-making career highs will also be on the books forever. In honor of her death, we must put some R-E-S-P-E-C-T on her receipts. Let’s look back at the accomplishments of The Queen of Soul.

Respect Her Receipts

Aretha Franklin’s father Rev. C.L. Franklin said the singer was 10 years old when he realized she had a gift. “I think even then she was taking what she heard and synthesizing and rolling it into her own thing.”

Respect Her Receipts

A talented pianist, Aretha Franklin learned to play the piano by ear.

Respect Her Receipts

Aretha Franklin performed a show-stopping performance in the cult classic The Blues Brothers in 1980.

Respect Her Receipts

Then-President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton awarded Aretha Franklin with the 1999 National Medal of Arts and Humanities Award in Washington, D.C.

Respect Her Receipts

Aretha Franklin received a Medal of Freedom from then-President George W. Bush in Washington, D.C. on November 9, 2005.

Respect Her Receipts

Although she was a high school drop out, Aretha Franklin received an honorary degree from Harvard University on May 29, 2014, and an honorary degree from Berklee College of Music on May 13, 2006 in Boston.

Respect Her Receipts

She performed at inaugurations for three U.S. presidents — Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter

Respect Her Receipts

In 1987, Aretha became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.

Respect Her Receipts

During her career, the singer won 18 Grammys. In 1991, she received The Recording Academy’s GRAMMY Legend Award, three years later she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Five of her recordings including “Respect,” “Chain Of Fools,” “Amazing Grace,” “A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like),” and “I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You,” are in the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame.