The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Case Western Reserve University honored Aretha Franklin during the 16th annual American Music Masters® series this month.

Lady Soul: The Life and Music of Aretha Franklin, a weeklong celebration, told the story of the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In conjunction with the Museum’s latest special exhibit, Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power, the Museum honored Franklin’s work and her enduring influence.

(l-r) Cissy Houston and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Jerry Butler,Aretha Franklin, Ronald Isley and Dennis Edwards share the stage at the American Music Masters tribute concert honoring Aretha Franklin on Saturday, November 5, 2011. More photos

RESOURCES: Learn more about this year's honoree

Listen to the Rock Hall's Essential Aretha Franklin Playlist on Spotify

“From Songwriters to Soundmen: The People Behind the Hits” gives Rock Hall audiences an inside look at aspects of the music business that are often concealed from view.

For those who wonder how songs become recordings, how recordings become hits, or how the show gets on the road, this series offers both answers and anecdotes beyond imagination.

From label executives to producers to guitar techs, the music industry is populated with remarkable characters who have equally remarkable stories to tell. If many of us know a whole lot about the stars, too few among us know about the folks who work alongside the stars, who discover stars, who direct the careers of stars, who produce their songs.