Aretha Frankin released the single "Rock Steady" from her 1972 album Young, Gifted, and Black on this day in 1971. The song peaked at number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 2 on the US Hot Soul Singles, and has remained one of Franklin's most recognizable records. Soul legend Donny Hathaway lends his talents on electric piano and organ to the track, playing a crucial role to the funky ride of the song that has made it a timeless classic.
In 2014, President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama honored legendary women in American music with the program In Performance at the White House: Women of Soul. Among the recognized musicians was, of course, Aretha Franklin, and this clip shows neo-soul icon Jill Scott performing "Rock Steady" in her honor.
