Aretha Franklin Takes The Stage Spotify Playlist

CBS recently aired the 38th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, which were taped in Washington, D.C. and included a live performance tribute to honoree Carole King by the legendary Aretha Franklin. Franklin had a hit in 1967 with “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” a song co-written by King that helped propel Aretha toward the title of the Queen Of Soul. Franklin’s performance was a show-stopper, bringing a tear to attendee President Obama’s eye and a massive grin to King’s face.

For this week’s Spotify Playlist – Aretha Franklin Takes The Stage – below are 40 songs the Queen Of Soul has recorded live over the course of her storied career. It’s culled from five of her live albums, beginning with her seminal 1968 Aretha In Paris LP. A live version of “Respect” as well as a number of contemporary-at-the-time covers from her well-known Aretha Live at Fillmore West record, captured at the famed San Francisco venue and released in 1971, are among the playlist selections. There are a number of cuts taken from her best-selling album of all time, 1972’s double platinum Amazing Grace, recorded in Los Angeles in January 1972 at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church.

Also recorded in 1972 and showcasing medleys and more contemporary covers, several of her best-known songs appear from the Oh Me Oh My: Aretha Live in Philly, 1972 release. Finally, tracks from Franklin’s appearance in 2001 at the VH1 Divas Live concert are included in the collection as well. In all the 40 songs come in just under three hours for your Queen Of Soul listening pleasure.