RIP to Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin – Aretha Franklin sings My Country, ‘Tis of Thee at President Barack Obama’s 2009 Inauguration. RIP
Back in 2009, Aretha Franklin, who died today at 76, performed at Barack Obama’s first presidential inauguration. Moments before Obama was sworn in as the nation’s first black president, Aretha — Queen of Soul and singer of civil-rights anthems — gave a stunning live rendition of “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” And Aretha, in today’s parlance, freaked it! In a hat accessorized with a bow befitting Blair Waldorf, Aretha Franklin brought the (White) house down.
