Biography
Aretha Louise Franklin was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Referred to as the "Queen of Soul", Rolling Stone twice named her as the greatest singer of all time. With global sales of over 75 million records, Franklin is one of the world's best-selling music artists. As a child, Franklin was noticed for her gospel singing at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father C. L. Franklin was a minister. At the age of 18, she was signed as a recording artist for Columbi...
Known For
Complete Filmography

Deadpool & Wolverine
2024
Songs
A listless Wade Wilson toils away in civilian life with his days as the morally flexible mercenary, Deadpool, behind him. But when his homeworld faces...

WHAM!
2023
as Self (archive footage)
Through archival interviews and footage, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley relive the arc of their Wham! career, from 70s best buds to 80s pop icons.

They All Came Out to Montreux
2023
as Self
Utilizing a wealth of archival footage featuring Prince, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis and more, They All Came Out to Montreux is an affectionate story...

Burt Bacharach at the BBC
2023
as Self (archive footage)
A celebration of one of the all-time songwriting greats, featuring a selection of the finest songs from his extraordinary back catalogue and performan...

2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
2022
as Self (archive footage)
The 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony take place on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. ...

George Michael: Portrait of an Artist
2022
as Self (archive footage)
This is by far the most definitive feature documentary of George Michael's amazing life, told candidly by fellow musicians and other friends who loved...

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President
2020
as Self (Archival Footage)
This rockumentary-style presidential portrait shows how Jimmy Carter reinvigorated a post-Watergate America—with the music of the counterculture, incl...

Aretha Franklin, soul sister
2020
as Self (archive footage)
A vibrant portrait of Aretha Franklin, the queen of soul, who has become a symbol of freedom and power for all African American women.

Aretha Franklin Remembered (My Music)
2019
as Self (archive footage)
A chronological documentary about the life and music of one of the world's most iconic singers, Aretha Franklin.

The Apollo
2019
as Self (archive footage)
The history of New York City's Apollo Theater in Harlem is given the full treatment.

The Upside
2019
In Memory Of
Phillip is a wealthy quadriplegic who needs a caretaker to help him with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse. He decides to hire Dell, a ...

Amazing Grace
2018
as Self (archive footage)
A behind-the-scenes documentary about the recording of Aretha Franklin's best-selling album finally sees the light of day more than four decades after...
Aretha Franklin: Respect
2018
as Self (archive footage)
A BBC tribute to the undisputed Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.

American Dream: Detroit
2018
as Self - Interviewee
The comeback of Detroit is poised to be the greatest turnaround story of American history.

Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars
2018
as Self
An unflinching and deeply personal journey into the life and work of guitarist Eric Clapton told through his own words and songs.

This Is Bob Hope...
2017
as Self (archive footage)
During his career, Bob Hope was the only performer to achieve top-rated success in every form of mass entertainment. American Masters explores the ent...

GRAMMYS' Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special
2017
as Self
GRAMMYS® Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special is a retrospective packed with epic moments from the past 59 years of GRAMMY history, featuring ...

Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives
2017
as Self
The life and successes of iconic music executive Clive Davis, from his miraculous start at Columbia Records through his trailblazing work at Arista Re...

Freedom : La Story de George Michael
2016
as Self (archive footage)
In 1982, the British singer had a dazzling success with the group Wham! alongside his friend Andrew Ridgeley. From "Club Tropicana" to "Careless Whisp...

Jazz at the White House
2016
as Self
This All-Star Global Concert at the White House features performances by Joey Alexander, Terence Blanchard, Kris Bowers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Ly...

Queens of Soul at the BBC
2015
as Self (archive footage)
Performances by legendary female soul singers including Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Gladys Knight, Randy Crawford, Angie Stone, Mary J Blige, Beyo...

Led Zeppelin Played Here
2014
as Self (archive footage)
1969. Man lands on the moon. Half a million strong at Woodstock....and Led Zeppelin perform in the gym of the Wheaton Youth Center in front of 50 conf...

Muscle Shoals
2013
as Self
In a tiny Alabama town with the curious name of Muscle Shoals, something miraculous sprang from the mud of the Tennessee River. A group of unassuming,...

Queens Of Pop: Aretha Franklin
2011
as Self

The Greatest Ears in Town: The Arif Mardin Story
2010
as Self
The Greatest Ears in Town is an insightful documentary and testimonial to Arif Mardin; the producer, arranger, musician and multi Grammy award winner.

The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concerts
2009
as Self
On October 29th and 30th, 2009, rock 'n' roll royalty held court at Madison Square Garden for what have been called 'the best concerts ever,' and 'whe...

Atlantic Records: The House That Ahmet Built
2007
as Self
This American Masters episode showcases the wonderful influence of Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records. Since the label's founding in 1947,...

Classic Soul at the BBC
2007
as Self (archive footage)
A collection of some of the greatest soul performances from the BBC's archive, featuring Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Dusty Springfield, Isaac Hayes, So...

George Michael - Twenty Five
2006
as Self
This set is a 25 year retrospective of Michael's career. Included are tracks with Wham!, Aretha Franklin, Sir Elton John, Mary J. Blige, and Whitney H...

The Midnight Special Legendary Performances: Million Sellers
2006
as Self

Tom Dowd & The Language of Music
2004
as Self
Tom Dowd & the Language Of Music profiles the extraordinary life and legendary work of music producer/recording engineer Tom Dowd. Historical footage,...

Casey Kasem's Rock 'n' Roll Goldmine: The Soul Years
2004
as Self (archive footage)
Radio disc jockey legend Casey Kasem presents this collection featuring momentous occasions in music history. This installment delves into the mid-196...

Britney Spears: In the Zone
2003
as Self (archive footage)
Live concert special that aired on ABC.

Sam Cooke: Legend
2003
as Self
Singer, songwriter, business man, family man, civil rights activist: Sam Cooke transcends all barriers of race, faith and talent. This first-ever bio...

It's Black Entertainment
2002
as Mrs. Murphy (archive footage)
A star-studded tribute (from the creators of That's Entertainment) to the contributions of Afro-Americans in film over the last century. Vanessa Willi...

Rhythm and Blues 40: A Soul Spectacular
2001
as Self
This show brings together legendary artists of the 1960s and 1970s for a once-in-a-lifetime event: Ben E. King and The Drifters, Jerry Butler reunitin...

VH1 Divas Live: The One and Only Aretha Franklin
2001
as Self
A concert performance by "Lady Soul" Aretha Franklin, as well as Mary J. Blige, Marc Anthony and Jill Scott. From Radio City Music Hall in New York.

The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 2
2001
as Self (archive footage)
This Bob Hope Special called “Highlights of a Quarter Century” begins his 26th year with NBC in 1975 (he began with NBC radio in 1937) celebrating 25 ...

The Best of Bob Hope: 50 Years of Laughter — Volume 1
2001
as Self (archive footage)
This Bob Hope Special called “Highlights of a Quarter Century” begins his 26th year with NBC in 1975 (he began with NBC radio in 1937) celebrating 25 ...

Arista Records' 25th Anniversary Celebration
2000
as Self
Arista's greatest recording artists of the last 25 years gather for this May 15th concert in honor of the record label's 25th anniversary. The highly ...

George Michael Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael
1999
as Self
This video includes 22 clips: Outside, Somebody To Love (with Queen,) & Killer/Papa Was a Rollin' Stone (P.M. Dawn Remix), both from the 1993 Freddie ...

Aretha Franklin - Live at Park West 1985
1999
as Self
Aretha Franklin's seductive voice and irrepressible charm have been delighting audiences for more than three decades. Now, from the critically acclaim...

The Stories Behind the Making of 'The Blues Brothers'
1998
as Self
The Stories Behind the Making of The Blues Brothers is an hour- long documentary featuring every participant from the film. Star and co-writer Dan Ayk...

VH1: Divas Live
1998
as Self - Performer
The queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, and four of the biggest female hitmakers in contemporary pop, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, and Shani...

Motown 40: The Music is Forever
1998
as Self
Archival music performances and contemporary interviews cover some of the history of Motown Records and Productions.

Blues Brothers 2000
1998
as Mrs. Murphy
Finally released from prison, Elwood Blues is once again enlisted by Sister Mary Stigmata in her latest crusade to raise funds for a children's hospit...

The Brave Little Toaster to the Rescue
1997
as Homebuilt Computer / Singer (voice)
When Toaster and the gang spark friendships with the playful animals at the veterinary hospital, they soon discover their new pals are about to be sen...

Aretha Franklin: Duets
1993
as Self
A chance to hear admirers including Elton John, Gloria Estefan, Smokey Robinson, PM Dawn, Bonnie Raitt and Rod Stewart sharing a stage with the Queen ...

Night of 100 Stars III
1990
as Self
A celebrity benefit for The Actors' Fund of America, featuring music, songs, dance and comedy.

Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul
1988
as Self
Aretha Franklin's recording career is examined through archival footage and interviews with family and prominent figures within the music industry.

WrestleMania III
1987
as Self
Third WrestleMania on March 29st, 1987 at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. There are twelve matches, with the main event featuring Hulk Ho...

James Brown & Friends: A Night of Super Soul
1987
as Self
Godfather of soul James Brown performs with Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Billy Vera, Joe Cocker and Robert Palmer in this live concert. Lively int...

Women in Rock
1986
as Self
All the legendary women of rock 'n' roll are brought together in this stunning collage of artists and their music. Through a music-driven mix of rare ...

The Rodney Dangerfield Show: It's Not Easy Bein' Me
1982
as Self
Rodney Dangerfield's first ABC special, featuring stand-up and sketches.

The Blues Brothers
1980
as Mrs. Murphy
Jake Blues, just released from prison, puts his old band back together to save the Catholic home where he and his brother Elwood were raised.

Aretha Franklin - Live in Paris
1977
as Self

Aretha Franklin: The Legendary Concertgebouw Concert Amsterdam 1968
1968
as Self
This concert shows very rare and unique footage of Aretha in a very productive and creative part of her career.

Aretha Franklin: Swing In '68
1968
as Self
In 1968, Aretha Franklin toured Europe for the first time and also gave an exclusive concert at WDR Studio L. The WDR recording of the "Queen of Soul"...
Aretha Franklin: Berns Salonger 1968
1968
as Self
Aretha Franklin 'Berns Salonger', Stockholm, Sweden 1968-05-08 Songs: 1. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman 2. Come Back Baby 3. Dr. Feelgo...

Lady Soul: Aretha Franklin på Berns
1968
as self
A recording from Aretha Franklin's vist to Sweden in May 1968. The following songs are performed: "There's No Business Like Show Business", "Come Back...

Woody Allen Looks at 1967
1967
Woody Allen's whimsey is turned loose on the news, social events, and happenings of 1967. Such groovey guests as Aretha Franklin, Liza Minnelli, and W...