Ms. Franklin performs at the DTE Energy Music Theater in Clarkston, Mich., on Aug. 25, 2011.

Ms. Franklin arrives at her Los Angeles hotel wedding reception with her new husband, actor Glynn Turman, and her 8-year-old son, Kecalf, on April 17, 1978.

Aretha Franklin receives music advice from her father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin, in this undated photo.

Ms. Franklin, second from right, stands with the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. as he speaks with reporters at the Operation PUSH Soul Picnic in March 1972 at the 142nd Street Armory in New York City. With them are, from left, Betty Shabazz, widow of Malcolm X; PUSH Vice President Tom Todd; South African singer Miriam Makeba; and Congressman Louis Stokes of Ohio.

Ms. Franklin shows off the Grammy Legend Award she received during a ceremony Dec. 5, 1990, at the Theater Royale in New York.

The “Queen of Soul” performs with the “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown, at Detroit’s Taboo nightclub in January 1987. The show was taped for airing on HBO.

Ms. Franklin acknowledges the cheering crowd as she stands to receive an honorary degree at Harvard University during the May 2014 commencement ceremony.

Ms. Franklin, wearing a signature hat, performs “My Country ’Tis of Thee” at President Obama’s first inauguration in January 2009 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

Aretha Franklin receives a kiss from beau Willie Wilkerson at Franklin's Birthday Celebration held at her sprawling suburban Detroit estate in 1987.

Aretha Franklin is taught how to properly play a trumpet by Canadian trumpeter Maynard Ferguson at Chicago's Sutherland Hotel in 1964.

Aretha Franklin is photographed with her new husband, Glynn Turman, at their wedding in April of 1978.

Last glorious days of summer Deondre McKnight Williams, 9, frolics in the cool waters and bubbles of a “Foam Pit” set up last Friday at the Byrd Park Round House for Playground Day, hosted by the Richmond Department for Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. Youngsters everywhere are fitting in the last days of fun before the new school year starts Sept. 4.(Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)

A towering crane’s reflection almost looks like a staircase rising up the side of this 20-story Downtown building under construction for Dominion Energy in the block bounded by 6th, 7th, Canal and Cary streets. Crews and cranes have been at the site since work began last year. The building will be known as 600 Canal Place when it opens next year. Dominion Energy has presented plans to a construct a second building to replace its 21-story Virginia headquarters, One James River Plaza, located next door at 701 E. Cary St.

Liriope in Downtown

Adwela of Adwela & The Uprising, above left, gets the crowd going during last Saturday’s 28th Annual Down Home Family Reunion. A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd that enjoyed music, food, arts and activities that focused on the historic ties between Richmonders and nations in Africa. Above, the crowd reacts to the sounds of Lady E & the Blues Synsations. The free event was sponsored by the Elegba Folklore Society.

Adwela of Adwela & The Uprising, above left, gets the crowd going during last Saturday’s 28th Annual Down Home Family Reunion. A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd that enjoyed music, food, arts and activities that focused on the historic ties between Richmonders and nations in Africa. Above, the crowd reacts to the sounds of Lady E & the Blues Synsations. The free event was sponsored by the Elegba Folklore Society.

Adwela of Adwela & The Uprising, above left, gets the crowd going during last Saturday’s 28th Annual Down Home Family Reunion. A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd that enjoyed music, food, arts and activities that focused on the historic ties between Richmonders and nations in Africa. Above, the crowd reacts to the sounds of Lady E & the Blues Synsations. The free event was sponsored by the Elegba Folklore Society.