A Late Show Tribute to Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin's powerful performance of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" at the Kennedy Center Honors that Stephen hosted.

Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS.

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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via CBS All Access, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[thirtythreeflavors]

The term Queen is tossed around a lot these days. Rarely is it so deserved as it is here. Queen of Queens this lady was.

[bornfreeliveme]

The woman was 73 when she sang that - let that sink if for a minute - and could still blow like someone with pipes in her 20's. Now, that was true and rare talent.We'll miss you Ms Aretha Louise Franklin.

[fischkopf]

Her voice was a soothing thunder, so much force with so little effort at the same time - pure talent, no computers. Thank you, Mrs. Franklin. RIP ❤️

[jackwalker]

Aretha had been battling cancer (at this stage) 2015, for 5 years...This performance was astonishing for a 73 year old with cancer. Aretha out sang an entire generation of “singers” in one performance. Even in her ailing years she still was the soulful legend we all loved for 6 decades.
R.I.P Aretha...

[ncooty]

That lady could flat out sing. Glad we have as much of her music as we do, and very thankful we have her musical legacy.

[gordoboygordo]

My god. One of the best performances I've ever heard, regardless of genre.

[kiNgToMoDo]

Im a 27 yo Scandinavian male and this performance brought tears to my eyes. She truly was magnificent, touched so many people around the world and will always be the queen of soul. Rest good and peacefully!

[jabberwocky]

What a woman she was. She was indestructible. Irreplaceable. RIP Aretha, the Queen Of Soul. You will be missed.

[EvWuzhere]

Carole freaking out when she starts playing is heart warming

[sassafrasandlemons]

Never will the world be the same without our Queen of Soul. My she rest in peace.

[markferrari]

Aretha G.O.A.T RIP . an angel has left us.

[catfishcave]

Showing she still had more soul in 2015 than anyone else - no voice ever commanded a stage more than Aretha.

[farelhettinger]

Lucky enough to been alive and aware on this planet with ears when Aretha Franklin was singing

[mabelzaz]

This made me cry, she was incredible woman

[moonlit]

Thank you for this lovely tribute. Carole King's expression is priceless!! Thank you, Ms. Franklin. 😌💗

[benm]

She's Made
America greater,
and the world more wonderous.
She's Made
us happier,
our lives fuller,
and joy a play button away.
She's Made
our souls fly higher,
see humanity clearer,
and feel transcendent spirit.
She's Made
pain more bearable,
hearts more healable,
and our journeys more enjoyable.
What a positive difference
In my life
She's Made.

Thank you, Ms. Franklin, for gracing and uplifting our lives. Your spirit lives on.

[Cloud-zblw]

I promise myself I wouldn't cry but it's so dam hard! 😭

R.I.P Soul Queen.

[Sindollxx]

All hail the Queen! #RIP Aretha Franklin though you may be gone of body, your soul left a permanent mark upon this world. You are already greatly missed.

[shirobu]

Thanks Stephen for paying tribute to the queen!! That was special!! What a beautiful voice. May she RIP.

[RichArtLove]

Thank You Steven, For Airing This. Thank You Barack Obama For Upholding Our Culture. Thanks & Bless You Aretha For All Your Many Gifts. RIP