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Entity admires the talented Aretha Franklin.

Aretha Franklin reminded the world of her dazzling singing skills with a rousing performance of America’s national anthem at the big Thanksgiving NFL game and her soulful rendition is still trending days later.

At four minutes 35 seconds, her powerful version of the Star-Spangled Banner before the Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings showdown was possibly the longest ever seen at a sporting event but likely one of the best too.

Here is why the Queen of Soul remains music royalty.

NAME: Aretha Louise Franklin

LIFETIME: March 25, 1942 – Present

WHAT SHE IS KNOWN FOR: One of the greatest and influential voices in music history, she made records that would reshape soul music. Among those hits were “Respect,” “Chain of Fools” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and she has had more million sellers than any female singer ever. She became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone magazine placed her at number one in its list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

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WHY WE LOVE HER: She has won everyone’s “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.” Her signature song, “Respect,” is a feminist anthem. Her role as a waitress is a highlight of classic comedy musical movie, “The Blues Brothers.” She has continued to perform gospel, soul, R&B and pop throughout her career, all to great success. Her duet with George Michael on the international number one hit “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me” still gives us chills. Even the big-bowed hat she wore to perform at President Obama’s inauguration was special – it later won a place in the Smithsonian Museum.

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FUN FACT: Her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, was not only a prominent pastor but also a nationally known gospel singer nicknamed “the man with the Million Dollar Voice.”

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