Aretha Franklinperformed at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors during the ceremonys tribute to Carole King, who co-wrote one of Franklins signature songs, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. Franklin performed that 1967 single at the Kennedy Center Honors, which aired Tuesday night following its December 6th ceremony in Washington D.C., making a rare appearance at the piano to deliver a rendition that moved many including President Barack Obama to tears.
Franklin, herself a 1994 Kennedy Center honoree, wrapped up an all-star tribute that featured songspenned both byKing solo and with her late husband Gerry Goffin: Sara Bareilles sang Youve Got a Friend, the Tapestry track that turned into a James Taylor hit single; Taylor himself played Up on the Roof during the King tribute. Janelle Monae covered both Will You Love Me Tomorrow (popularized by the Shirelles) and One Fine Day (The Chiffons).
How amazing to be named a Kennedy Center honoree among such esteemed company, King said in a statementin July when the Kennedy Center honorees were announced. Im humbled and grateful to accept. Ive been very lucky to able to do the work I love for so many years. And its even more rewarding to know that what I do has touched the lives of so many people. Joining King in 2015 were Star Wars creator George Lucas, actresses Rita Moreno and Cicely Tyson and classical conductor Seiji Ozawa.
The Eagles were also originally tabbed for this years Kennedy Center Honors, but Glenn Freys intestinal surgery forced the group to postponethe fete until 2016.