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
![]()
The American Music Masters week of events featured interviews, panels, films and educational programs beginning on Monday, October 31 with a special Rock and Roll Night School: A Spotlight on Aretha Franklin, followed by An Evening with the Blind Boys of Alabama on Tuesday, November 1. Wednesday November 2 Teachers Rock with Summer of Sisterhood: The Soul of Cleveland Girls followed by our Hall of Fame Series interview with Spooner Oldham. A special Keynote Lecture at Case Western Reserve University was held on Thursday November 3, Jump to It: DJs Pay Tribute to Aretha! show took place at the House of Blues on November 4, and the week culminated with our American Music Masters conference and all-star tribute concert on Saturday November 5.
![]()

RESOURCES: Learn more about this year's honoree
Listen to the Rock Hall's Essential Aretha Franklin Playlist on Spotify
Stay tuned for upcoming events.