From the Vault: Aretha Franklin Spotlight

Immerse yourself in videos, her official Hall of Fame biography and more honoring the first female artist inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha Franklin

During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we honor gifted African-American artists and their music, which in the words of former President Barack Obama, has compelled us “to stand up -- to dance, to express our faith through song, to march against injustice, and to defend our country's enduring promise of freedom and opportunity for all.” We dedicate this first week to the Queen of Soul, '87 Inductee Aretha Franklin.

As the first female inducted into the Hall of Fame, Franklin made unprecedented contributions to both music and culture from the anthem “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” to performing at three Presidential Inaugurations, she inspired a nation.

From her Induction Ceremony to numerous performances during American Music Master tributes, the 1995 Concert for the Rock Hall and 25th anniversary ceremony, Franklin was a dynamic and captivating artist that left an indelible mark on rock & roll.

We've got your first-row ticket to witness the iconic moments.

While the museum is temporarily closed we'll be featuring special Inductee and educational content. Check out each week's release for the next content series or visit Rock Hall EDU, our free online learning resources that provide at-home activities for music fans of all ages. 

To check the status of the museum, visit our Coronavirus updates page where we'll be posting all announcements related to museum operations and the 2020 Induction Ceremony.