16 august 1968 & remembering aretha franklin

#OTD-ish 16 August 1968 Washingtonians loved Aretha Franklin. She performed in the city in 1968, her songs were in regular rotation on the radio, her albums were sold at department stores and music stores, and she was watched on television.

On 30 March 1968, “Since You’ve Been Gone” was voted the #1 song by djs in the city. 

On 23 June 1968, she was one of two singers featured in “The Singers - Two Profiles,” that aired on channel 7.

On 6 October 1968, Aretha Franklin performed two concerts at the white-owned Constitution Hall. 

On 21 November 1968, Aretha Franklin’s albums were featured in the white-owned Hecht Co’s department store Christmas ad. The albums cost $2.66 each

Your comments are welcome below. What do you remember most about Aretha Franklin? Did you see her perform in 1968? Did you buy one of her albums? Do you remember seeing her on television?

Photo source: Courtesy Hilltop 9 May 1969. Photographer unknown. Aretha Franklin performed at Cole Field House at the University of Maryland College Park in May 1969.