1968 Photograph of Aretha dancing for the camera Express Newspapers/Getty Images
At 72 years of age, Aretha Franklin is the coolest grandma of hip-hop, R&B, and soul–and she’s still on top of her game, so you’d better respect.
Last night on David Letterman Aretha sang her new cover of Adele’s hit Rolling in the Deep melded with the classic Ain’t No Mountain High Enough–and she kills the performance. Franklin is currently promoting her latest album, The Great Diva Classics–yes, apparently Adele is already a classic diva.
One of the best-selling female artists of all time, Aretha also discussed with Letterman in detail how her father helped to kickstart her lengthy career.
Tonight Aretha will help ring in legend Rev. Al Sharpton’s birthday alongside mayor Bill de Blasio in New York City in an evening that will help honor the reverend’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
Check out the Queen of Soul’s stunning performance:
