With a career spanning more than 50 years, no one can deny that Aretha Franklin is legendary in music -- not even the rock-heavy publication Rolling Stone. The magazine gave her the No. 1 spot on their list of Top Singers of All Time.

Talented songstresses of today's music industry, including Mary J. Blige and Fantasia, often cite Franklin as being a major influence. The Motown native is most definitely one to respect. In 1987, she was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but her music experimented with notes of many genres -- gospel, jazz, pop, funk and the blues.  Finding fame in the mid-1960s with her classic tracks, 'Respect,' 'Think' and the 'Sparkle' soundtrack, Franklin has been a legend for as long as most can remember.

 Listen to Aretha Franklin's 'Respect'

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