TV Networks Remember Aretha Franklin With Programming Tributes
The world continues to mourn the loss of Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, who passed away Thursday at age 76.
From ordinary fans writing out their heartfelt thoughts and remembrances on Twitter, to statements from current and former U.S. presidents, countless people have been offering tributes to the artist who was perhaps the greatest singer America has ever produced.
TV networks are also offering their own tributes to Franklin, with programming scheduled over the next few days to remember the legend. From archival footage of Franklin’s greatest performances, to re-airings of more recent specials in which the singer appeared, this tribute programming fittingly offers the “respect” that the icon memorably sang about in the Otis Redding tune that became her signature song.
Here are some of the notable Aretha Franklin TV tributes airing over the next few days.
Aretha Franklin TV Programming Tributes
Aretha! Queen of Soul — Friday, Aug. 17, 8:30/7:30c on PBS (or check your local PBS listings). PBS NewHour Weekend and WNET co-produce this half-hour remembrance special, hosted by NewsHour Weekend‘s Hari Seenivasan, which will be available to stream on PBS.org and PBS apps immediately following the TV broadcast. The program features archival footage from Aretha Franklin’s storied career and interviews that highlight her legacy.
(Credit: Atlantic Records. Photo courtesy of PBS)
TV One on One: Aretha Franklin — Saturday, Aug. 18, 11am/10am c on TV One. In this encore presentation, Urban One founder Cathy Hughes talks with the Queen of Soul about her life and journey throughout her amazing career.
Check out a preview clip of TV One on One: Aretha Franklin below, courtesy of TV One:
Aretha: Frankly Speaking — Saturday, Aug. 18, 12/11am c on TV One. This encore airing of a one-hour special chronicles the professional and personal life of Aretha Franklin. The one-hour special also features exclusive behind-the-scenes stories of iconic songs like “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” “Precious Lord” and “Pink Cadillac” as told through Franklin’s trusted inner circle, her musical team, and her very own words.
Remembering Aretha Franklin: The Oprah Interview — Saturday, Aug. 18, 8/7c on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. OWN presents a special re-airing of Aretha Franklin’s 1999 interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Oprah talks with the legend about her life and career, including her autobiography, Aretha: From These Roots. Franklin performs “Think,” “Respect,” and “Miss Clawdy Medley,” a medley of songs in honor of her father, and even shares her favorite recipe. Franklin also sings “We Need Power” to honor her roots in gospel music.
The Kraft Music Hall December 1967 episode — Sunday, Aug. 19, 11/10c on getTV. Nostalgic network getTV re-airs a December 1967 episode of The Kraft Music Hall that marked one of Aretha Franklin’s earliest TV appearances (pictured left). Guesting on the program alongside Liza Minelli and Woody Allen, Franklin performs her hit “Respect.”
BET Her Playlist — Monday, Aug. 20, 9/8c on BET Her. BET networks have been running musical playlists of Aretha Franklin’s hits since her passing, including this next airing Monday on BET Her, featuring a marathon of the prolific artist’s videos. BET has also announced that the network will pay tribute to the Queen of the Soul at the upcoming installment of its annual Black Girls Rock! show in September.
