Aretha Franklin sings My Country, 'Tis of Thee at President Barack Obama's 2009 Inauguration. RIP. See all her C-SPAN appearances here: www.c-span.org...
I knew Trump was delusuonal when he said that he had this many people at his inauguration! I was at this one and it was one of the best moments of my life.
I remember Jesse Jackson crying like a baby, on election night. I was right there with him. I'm 65, lived thru the Kennedy assassination ×2, Watergate, the Vietnam War, the space shuttle exploding. I feel a bit like Forrest Gump. Watching Pres. Obama get elected and inauguration was oh so joyful. And he did great! And then, along came Trump. America will survive and thrive once again. Don't lose hope.
First US black president in history, not the first black president ever. There's been plenty of black presidents in African countries before Obama obviously. Nevertheless I cried watching this thinking how threatened the Biden inauguration is at the moment and how much hope there was then and how much fear there is now. 😥
@@sara-stinabergstedt3019 I was talking about first black president in the United States not Africa because Africa is a continent. Let's all pray President-elect Biden gets a safe inaguration Wednesday because Trump is demented and will do something crazy.
@@kervinfondren9226 first mixed race president of the United States, do Americans really just classify white & black mixed people as just black? He has a white mother and a black father, why do you not call them White? I'm genuinely asking by the way, over here we'd call them mixed race.
@@fuego5532 In the United States, mixed race people are not socially recognized. If you have prodominately black features, you are seen as black, and vice versa foe white features. However, since the majority of this country is white, if you appear to have even very few black features, you probably will be seen as non-white.
Never forget 🤧🤧 my entire elementary school sat in the gymnasium to witness this historical moment. The kids that didn’t understand made fun of Aretha’s soulful vocals, but I understood being a black boy with a hope of a brighter future.
I'm a tad older than you; me and my coworkers stopped what we were doing to watch this livestreamed on RU-vid. It's the only Presidential inauguration I've ever watched live. Aretha Franklin was a national treasure; I can think of no one better to perform at the inauguration of the first black President.
She was pissed at Obama because he allowed Beyonce to sing at his 2nd inauguration..that says a lot about Aretha..she is not as bad as Etta James who called Beyonce and Obama names.
@@Mimi-cg2cw they were going after who would get the most coverage, the popularity factor. If Etta were able to she should have been invited to sing the song since she is associated with it. Beyonce could have performed "All the Single Ladies"
Am looking forward to Joe's I expect it will be cut back because of the virus. Hope trump keeps away. The world dont want to see his face any more. Good riddance for ever.
@@ironfromicey8700 America has many flaws. Especially now. But it is a truth that it has been a powerhouse of a nation. Consistently at the top. Such a great nation home to many adoring figures, musicians, athletes, and people willing to inspire change. Aretha left her mark in the USA and inspired the world ❤️
I cried watching this live in 2009. I was overcome with emotions. The historical symbolism of the moment was so powerful. The best inauguration of all time.
Mary Mitchell what are you talking about. Obama was the worst president on economic growth in modern American history and his foreign policy was a disaster. Do some research.
highjinxwillie62 You're a pathetic creature, you have the nerve to stay that bullchit while trump is getting his azz handed to himself on a tray! Bet your Obamacare trump is on his way to golf now and why shouldn't he, trump inherited no problems from the previous administration, all of trumps problems are of his own dirty making. So GTFOH with that!
@@sipnog3528 Please don’t LIE. It’s not good for your health. Houston and Carey are great. But their voices are unmatched in comparison to Aretha Franklin, and Dionne Warwick, and Gladys Knight, or even Lecresia Campbell. They are unmatched because they have very different styles. Aretha Franklin was a queen. Don’t compare her voice to Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston.
@@hollyredding1816 YOU ARE NOT ONLY A LIAR, YOU ARE A DREAMER. ARETHA FRANKLIN WILL NEVER BE A BEST SINGER ON EARTH OR HEAVEN. God never gave her that much gift. Even if you can dream from now and forever. It is AN INSULT TO COMPARE WHITNEY TO SHOUTING ARETHA. How could you really. STAN but dont try to blind other people in your blind stanning.
@@sipnog3528 ok I’m sorry but your two comments are just so ironic because the first one is hating on Aretha and talking about how you love the other singers and then your second one says that you shouldn’t hate and compare the two Like bruh what
@@ramen8760 And I don't hate her. What happened to people telling truth? I just told truth as I see it that's all. I honestly cannot lie and say she is a great singer. I just can't, I'm sorry.
Aretha singing this is probably one the best songs ever sung. To this day it still deeply affects me and I often come back to this from time to time for inspiration. Brava and RIP queen
I tip my hat each time I listen to this rendition of this song. Aretha's voice has so much texture, I can feel it. It's like velvet. RIP ARETHA! Though you have passed on, your legacy remains.
She truly caused you to feel a song. I remember when I was very young I listened to her sing amazing Grace. My life changed forever and I felt free from pain for the first time. Til this day I've never gone back to that former me. Thank God for Jesus and for Aretha who reminded me that His grace is amazing. RIP Aretha 💜💕
I remember being in my 8th grade class watching this performance by Aretha and the amount of pride I had for my country was unbelievable. I miss those days. Just being in awe by your country knowing that you are setting up a good example for the world and freedom. I miss it. I do. Now everyone hates us and we hate us. /:
Thru tears I say no one, not even an angel, could bring more beauty to this song.Heaven must sound all the more beautiful as she sings with the angels now.Rest in Peace our one & only Queen of Soul.A great American.
Pamela Turner Yes ma'am.... I remember my sisters and I piled up on my mom's backseat enjoying her music. We were little girls but it seems like yesterday. We are fortunate to have enjoyed her legacy while she was alive. 😙
L'Amérique qu'on aime. De tous les côté de l'Atlantique. La Grande, la Belle, l'Exemplaire Amérique. Dieu lui donne la force de reprendre ce leadership de la liberté humaine, qui nous manque tant aujourd'hui...
Eu sou brasileiro, e é impossível não se arrepiar, pelo menos aqueles que conhecem o mínimo da História dos EUA. Aretha levou na sua interpretação toda a identidade e a luta de um povo que lutou por séculos para alcançar a eleição de Obama. E além disso a sua própria história pessoal de muita luta, para ocupar lugares que infelizmente todo um sistema à impedia de ocupar, e cantar no principal evento político de seu país. Só palmas para essa mulher incrível 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Beautifully written. Her talent was the reason she was able to overcome her obstacles in life, and not everyone has been so lucky. There is still much to be fought for, freedom included
I took a vacation day so I could watch the 2009 inauguration and stayed glued to the TV all day When Aretha sang this I wept like a little child. That day was so joyous and I felt such hope for our nation. Now it seems we are forever divided and that Americans hate each other. I don't know if that division will ever be rectified.
Rest in peace queen of soul Aretha Franklin you will never be forgotten I love all your music and will continue to listen to it God bless your family prayers
I don't think that there would ever again be such a meaningful, poignant and beautifully sung song at any other presidential inauguration ! Certainly not in any forseable lifetime. Rest in eternal paradise Queen Aretha.
This shxt made me tear up, because this shxt right here is what my ancestors fought for & tolerated what they went thru during their time & just to hear her voice, her rhythm, her soul makes me feel appreciated to be black
I told my boss I had to see this inauguration, if I lost my job so be it. I couldn’t travel to the states but I could watch it live on tv. My boss told me it was fine, she shut the office for the day. We all watched, marvelled and gave thanks with hearts full of gratitude. I look forward to feeling that way again. It will take time but it will be.
So much history in her voice here... she has seen and experienced so much, been such a cornerstone in the fabric of American history in the 20th century, it’s almost religious, maybe spiritual, to consume...
Nobody ever put such soul into ‘America.’ That day was so brimming with hope, and Aretha put a bow on it (no pun intended). Whenever I feel anxious about the country’s future, I listen to this. Obviously, I listen to it often.
Beautifully done and beautifully chosen for this. He was so lucky to meet her. I grew up on her music. What an honor for the Obamas. Imagine how they must have felt to have had Aretha sing at their inauguration. Powerful.
There was a big high wall there, that tried to stop me, there was a big sign that said private property, but on the back side it ain’t say nothing, this side was made for you and me! VIVA LA REVOLUTION!!! 🚩
She did it for one of the greatest Presidents of my time..Thank you Queen of Soul you were dearly loved for over 4 decades and will be truly missed..You earned your wings..RIH Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin ❤
@Awesome Timeless omg just let them have this moment. Why do we gotta go to liberal vids and attack them? This gives Reps a bad reputation. Just leave them alone
I remember watching Aretha sing. I was a junior in college, just turned 21 years old. I was so hyped that morning. Can’t believe it’s 13 years and two presidents later….
I remember watching this from the UK on thr BBC and wondering why Aretha was singing the British National Anthem but being absolutely enthralled by her voice and the moment of history
I remember being inside the retail store and all the TVs were showing this and the whole store came to a halt to hear this with people holding hands with tears streaming down their face waving their hands back and forth to this song
