Here is a look back at her life and times in pictures.
Born in Memphis in 1942, Aretha Louise Franklin made her first recording when she was just 14. But her career did not truly take off until she signed for Atlantic Records in 1966.
She went on to have a string of hits, among them I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You), Respect and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. Here she is performing on Top of the Pops in 1968.
Personal problems and an ill-advised foray into disco made for a less successful 1970s, though she continued to perform extensively. Here she is taking part in a 'Hollywood Salute' at the 1980 Royal Variety Performance.
The same year saw her appear alongside John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in cult comedy The Blues Brothers. As volatile waitress Mrs Murphy, she got to sing her classic anthem Think, as well as a few lines from Jailhouse Rock. Read Full Story
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