Aretha Franklin
On Tuesday June 5, Aretha Franklin received an honorary doctorate of music degree from Princeton University during its 265th commencement ceremony.
She is one of the greatest singers of all time, and now she’s also a doctor! Aretha Franklin, more affectionately known as the Queen of Soul, has been honored with an honorary Doctorate in Music from Harvard University. The soulful singer who gave us hits like “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” was celebrated for her many accomplishments in music during a special ceremony held at the university on June 5th.
Aretha Franklin is no stranger to awards or honors; she has won 18 Grammy Awards throughout her career and even received Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush back in 2005. With such an impressive history already in place, it only made sense for Harvard to recognize the legendary songstress for her incredible contributions to the industry.
The celebration included performances from some well-known artists including Jennifer Hudson and Patti LaBelle along with speeches from former president Bill Clinton and other dignitaries paid tribute to Franklin’s legacy that will likely be remembered forever!
Biography Of Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin was an iconic figure in American music, known for her powerful and soulful voice. She began singing in the choir of her father’s Baptist church where she also learned to play piano and organ. At 18, Aretha signed with Columbia Records, but it wasn’t until she moved to Atlantic Records that she released hits like “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, which became anthems for the civil rights movement.
In addition to winning numerous awards throughout her career, including eighteen Grammy Awards and being inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame, Aretha had a lasting impact on popular culture worldwide. Her influence extended beyond music – from film soundtracks to international tours – captivating audiences everywhere.
Recently, Aretha continued to be honored posthumously when she received an honorary doctorate degree from Harvard University at their 2019 commencement ceremony. It is yet another testament to her undeniable legacy as one of the greatest singers ever recorded.
Overview Of Honorary Doctorate Award
An honorary doctorate degree is an academic honor granted by a university to recognize distinguished service, accomplishments, and leadership. It honors the recipient without requiring them to have earned a college or graduate degree. For Aretha Franklin, this recognition was particularly meaningful in light of her humble beginnings as a young gospel singer from Detroit. Her achievements, both professional and personal, mark her as an inspiring role model for anyone aspiring to excellence in any field.
The prestigious award has been given out before to many other notable figures including Bill Cosby, Barack Obama, and Malala Yousafzai. While these people may come from different backgrounds with varying degrees of accomplishment, they are all united by their dedication and commitment to making positive contributions to society that will be remembered for years to come.
By awarding Aretha Franklin with an honorary doctorate degree from Harvard University at its 2019 commencement ceremony, she joins these ranks of extraordinary individuals who have received similar recognition for their exemplary work and remarkable impact on the world around them.
Conclusion
I. Summary
Aretha Franklin, the legendary “Queen of Soul,” has been awarded an honorary doctorate for her immense contributions to music and culture over the past six decades. Her career has seen a tremendous amount of success, with multiple awards and accolades that have made her one of the most revered singers in history. From her early hits like “Respect” and “Think” to later songs such as “A Natural Woman,” she has consistently created timeless classics.
II. Impact on Music & Culture
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Aretha Franklin is also remembered for being a strong female figure who championed civil rights and social justice causes throughout her life. She was a powerful voice in demanding equal rights for African-Americans during the turbulent 1960s and 1970s, using her artistry to spread messages of hope and peace. Through these efforts, she became an international icon representing civil liberties worldwide.
III. Final Thoughts
The awarding of this honorary doctorate serves as another reminder of how much we owe Aretha Franklin for all that she has done through the course of her career—not only musically but politically as well. It’s clear that even after all these years, she continues to inspire people around the world with her work ethic, resilience, and dedication to making positive change in our communities. I’m sure there are many more accolades yet to come for this remarkable artist!
