Aretha Franklin Performs ‘Rock Of Ages’ At The New Bethel Baptist Church: Exclusive | TIME

Nearly 70 years ago a young girl named Aretha Franklin stood up to perform a gospel song in her father’s church. The soulful notes hit the walls with trembling potency. In 2016, for a live performance for TIME, Franklin returned to that church in Detroit, Michigan. #ArethaFranklin #QueenofSoul #RIPArethaFranklin

Get closer to the world of entertainment and celebrity news as TIME gives you access and insight on the people who make what you watch, read and share.

Money helps you learn how to spend and invest your money. Find advice and guidance you can count on from how to negotiate, how to save and everything in between.

Find out more about the latest developments in science and technology as TIME’s access brings you to the ideas and people changing our world.

Let TIME show you everything you need to know about drones, autonomous cars, smart devices and the latest inventions which are shaping industries and our way of living

Stay up to date on breaking news from around the world through TIME’s trusted reporting, insight and access

CONNECT WITH TIME

ABOUT TIME
TIME brings unparalleled insight, access and authority to the news. A 24/7 news publication with nearly a century of experience, TIME’s coverage shapes how we understand our world. Subscribe for daily news, interviews, science, technology, politics, health, entertainment, and business updates, as well as exclusive videos from TIME’s Person of the Year, TIME 100 and more created by TIME’s acclaimed writers, producers and editors.

Aretha Franklin Performs ‘Rock Of Ages’ At The New Bethel Baptist Church: Exclusive | TIME

[jammieevans]

No plastic surgeries, no autotune, just real. I wonder how many generations will go by before the world will understand how monumental she is. Long live the Queen of Soul. 🙏🏾

[remyatempest]

Yall hear that....that's what's missing from today's mainstream music. That pain, that struggle, that love and joy the purerelease of emotion. Thank you for being what you where Queen of Soul!

[anthonysimmons]

Can you imagine knowing you’re at the end of your life and being in the place where it all began.

[racqueenus]

Every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

[brandonmills]

No matter how tired and physically sick she became, she still brought the fire of the Holy Spirit when opened her mouth to sing. Truly an anointed woman.

[bajamanuela]

It just dawned on me that she was saying goodbye. According to the last verse, she was playing this song directly to God and telling him, "When I cross over, take me into your arms." She knew her sun was setting. As the tears roll down my cheeks while I type this, it also dawns on me that maybe the title "Queen" was a bit to small for such an angelic soul. If I've ever heard God sing, it was because I heard Ms. Franklin. Thank you for sharing your immeasurable gifts with us Queen Angel Aretha Franklin. There will never be another. You've lived a life poured out. You've earned your right to rest well. Salute.

[majors]

I don’t think she was in physical pain at that moment as some have suggested, I think the gravity of being in the sanctuary were everything started in her life was just extremely overwhelming. She seemed unusually emotional as if she knew life was coming to a close for her and that building was making it real.

[jaytillman]

Aretha was excellent. For those who didn’t catch it, she has what musicians call “absolute pitch”. In the very beginning, she sings the G# she wants the organists to play. Amazing. Rest In Peace Aretha.

[reneerobinson]

If this doesn't move you, you don't have a pulse. RIP Aretha.

[edglebennett]

My Lord... This is a hard one to lose, God makes no mistakes but I sho wish she here a little longer, but Lord it's you're will. AMEN

[omgtv]

HEAVEN COULDNT WAIT ANOTHER DAY💔 REST IN PRAISING THE ALPHA AND OMEGA DEAR QUEEN ARETHA.❤

[SarumanDeWhite]

We from Singapore remember Aretha Franklin for her brilliance and wonderful spirit.

[francoisbessing]

She was in tears the whole time and towards the end the tears escaped... She is truly a Sage of Song.

[leannadeo]

Aretha is very emotional in this video, she doesn't look like she is in pain, i think she knew her time was coming as i see her look around the church & said " my dad built this place xxx "🌷👑❤

[shawnever]

I Couldn't hold back tears watching this.

[MsPolice]

I really don't know who would dislike this performance. Lord, Jesus. You better sang that song,
Rest in peace, Queen.

[pdoe]

My heart is broken. No one has contributed to the soundtrack of the world in the fashion that Queen Aretha Franklin has. I miss her. The world misses her. We are blessed to have seen her during our time. Thank you Lord. Keep taking care of our precious Aretha. 😭😭😢😞

[moniquewrites]

So professional and worshipful even battling cancer

[rut]

Last verse: While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee
Amen Aretha! You have crossed over into his loving arms!! Thank you for your lasting gift of song!

[terrafitchett]

I wish gospel music sounded like this sad that we have to reach back to Mahalia Jackson, The Gospel Clefs, The Gospel Keynotes & many many more & now Aretha Franklin to get this Spirit-filled sound.