Aretha Franklin talks about her hat and performance on the inauguration day- Larry King.

[churchhats]

She is a lovely lady. Check out NY Fashion Hats for a large selection of ladies hats.

[grai]

she clearly knew when she turned up for this that all he was going to do was dig at her to see if she would acknowledge that the hat was odd and the singing was poor

She handled it with honesty and dignity

I love her again

She's right - MUCH more important that she was THERE

[branchwater7]

god bless the queen of soul.

[oneloveatatime]

I love this thanks for posting

[EmpressMahalia]

Thats okay Aretha! We love you! We are STILL in the 'Age of Aretha' Ya'll!

[swinn3]

i wanted to hear what else she was going to say. what cheek of the guy to ask her if the song is difficult to sing. I think she was just about to admit that it wasnt a good performance from her though lol

[Hoopskidoodle]

There was nothing "different" about her hat. It's the same kind of hat that older black women where to church every week.

FYI: It's called a crown.

[UrbanizdDee]

Exactly!

[devilmirror1]

How dare that old fart asked the queen about the song difficulty!

Aretha can sing any songs. She has more than 50 years of history to prove it.

[JCFans]

OMFG THAT OLD FART SHOULD SHUT UP.

"Is that a tough song to sing?"

Umm... NOT FOR ARETHA. GEEZ.

[branchwater7]

right on. she could have asked him about all his difficulties. god bless the queen of soul.

[johnathandoe]

Aretha did great on the song so I dont think she needs to justify herself. I sing and I know my freezer isnt even 11degrees so if I was asked to sing in 11degree weather, I would probably say no. So she still did sing and sounded great. Go REtha.

[beatlesfanHH]

The hat was more than suitable for the occasion - she looked like a Queen!

What a perfect, beautiful moment in history!!

Maybe Queen Elizabeth should consider getting that hat!

[ZebFAN08]

Aretha is in the works of doing a studio version of the song and releasing it. I'd imagine to show people what she can do with it in the warmer temperature found in a recording studio.

[bustanti]

Loved her hat. However, each time I looked at it, I could see the confederate flag. "its a sign." lol

[sentheru]

She still sounded fabulous given her age and the temperature outside.  What an icon. We are lucky to have her with us.

[JustMeHere9]

I absolutely "loved" Aretha's raw kick performance to that song. It was magical and the imperfection of it made it 'real' and more heart-felt. She's too hard on herself...her performance was classic and conveyed the spirit of Africa and its children crying out a poetic tune of love for the nation that didn't always love them but one they've always loved. AMERICA.

[EmpressKerfuckaboch]

Don't be so broad. The USA is one country and Africa is an entire continent. I would dare say that many inhabitants of African nations are only concerned with what they can get from The USA and/or Americans per se. So, please!!! And, are you saying that 'Africa' loved the people who were sold to Europeans?

[JustMeHere9]

Use your brain. I'm talking about the legacy of African slaves "Afro-Americans" that began a harsh and unjust history in the USA and through generations after emancipation and civil rights struggles haven't lost their love for America...a country that disgraced them as humans to start out with yet has grown to right its wrongs and embrace them as full citizens. Face it their ancestors were treated like barnyard animals and the children of those African slaves are now equal and free.

[EmpressKerfuckaboch]

Since I've never taken one of your courses, I misinterpreted your context. I think I made some good points and used my brain as well. Be careful how you address me next time...I am Empress!!!

[garycalgary]

there's a spot where apparently she says shut up or so a freind says but I think it was just a glitch

[johnathandoe]

NO she didnt say shut up. I cant believe people really believe she said shut up infront of the whole world.

[MrStyle23]

Queen you were great! The hat was awesome too!

[SenorSpode]

Aretha's where it's at! ALL HAIL TEH HAT!

[thompsont908]

Aretha looks so beautiful

[EmpressMahalia]

Beautiful! She looks great with that long hair!

[laron214]

hey empress, yes she does. i wish she had worn that hair instead of the hat. but you know mama does her own thing the way she wants to. it was spot on for her to be there singing that song-HISTORIC.