One thing we’ve really learnt in 2015 is that the Obamas are down with it. They froth over Kendrick, they’re cool with #Kanye2020, they curate a mean playlist, and FLOTUS Michelle Obama can even spit a pretty slick bar or two. Now, they’ve shown that they can be moved by more than just hip-hop: the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, brought down the house in a newly televised performance.
On December 6, the Obamas attended the 38th annual Kennedy Centre Honours, an awards ceremony honouring George Lucas, Carole King, Rita Moreno and more.
Now 73 years of age, Franklin took to the stage as the final performer honouring Carole King. She performed her 1967 smash hit You Make Me Feel (Like A Natural Woman), which was co-written by King. Now this is a beautiful, empowering, emotional song at any time, let alone performed live by the veteran singer at an esteemed ceremony like this. Watch as an emotional Obama sheds more than a few tears as Franklin, as shockingly talented as ever, delivers a flawless performance. King herself is visibly moved by the historic rendition.
Other artists who paid tribute to King on the night included Sara Bareilles, performing You’ve Got A Friend, James Taylor performing Up On The Roof, and Janelle Monae covering Will You Love Me Tomorrow and One Fine Day.
There’s nobody like Aretha Franklin. More than ever, it feels appropriate to use the phrase, “they don’t make ’em like this anymore.”