Aretha Franklin Brings President Obama To Tears During Electrifying "Kennedy Honors" Performance

Story by News Talk 1450 WOL Washington DC
Written by Desire Thompson

This week’s airing of the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors showed President Obama in a whole new light after a show-stopping performance from the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

The legendary singer brought the house down during her tribute to singer/songwriter Carole King in Washington D.C. The December 6th show aired Tuesday evening and honored Carole King, Star Wars creator George Lucas, EGOT winner and Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno, legendary actress Cicely Tyson, and composer Seiji Ozawa.


Legendary Actress Cicely Tyson (center) was one of the "2015 Kennedy Honors" honorees.

Each entertainer had fitting introductions from Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, Gina Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg, and Yo-Yo Ma, respectively. Aretha’s performance came after tributes by Janelle Monae, who sang “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “One Fine Day,” James Taylor, who performed “Up on the Roof,” and Sara Bareilles, who sang “You’ve Got A Friend.”

King co-wrote Franklin’s hit “Natural Woman” in 1967. The single went on to become one of her most-recognized songs. As she stepped onto the stage in a classic gown-fur coat ensemble, Aretha sang the tune and played the piano, bringing the President to tears.

King and First Lady Michelle Obama were also loving the performance, which got a standing ovation from the crowd.