While I had braced myself for the news when I first heard that Aretha Franklin was gravely ill, it still came as a shock when I found out the Queen of Soul had passed on.

There is no other woman like Aretha. She was one of a kind and without a doubt, the greatest vocalist in the history of American popular music who's voice has inspired generations. From the humble beginnings of singing gospel songs in her father's church to bringing change by preaching "Respect" for both women and African Americans.

She used her voice to deliver social justice not only during the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King but would continue to do so throughout much of her life. With a career spanning over sixty years, she won 16 Grammys among many other accolades. She would go on to make history time and time again holding the record for the most-charted female artist in Billboard history for nearly 40 years and most notably becoming the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There is no denying Aretha Franklin has left her mark on this world, and it's a better place for it.

So today, take a moment to celebrate the incredible life that was Aretha Franklin, the one and only true Queen of Soul!

Below are seven of my favourite Aretha Franklin performances.