Aretha Franklin was one of many guests to perform during a gospel celebration at the White House on Tuesday. Other famous faces included Michelle Williams, T Bone Burnett and Lyle Lovett.
"You're having a pretty good night when T Bone Burnett and the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, show up at your house to jam," President Barack Obama said.
"We've got royalty here tonight. It's a state visit tonight."
He also reflected on the importance of gospel music in the nation's history.
"It still has an unmatched power to strike the deepest chord in all of us, touching people of all faiths and of no faith."
The performances are scheduled to air as part of PBS's In Performance at the White House series on June 26.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Entertainment News
April 17, 2026 15:29 ET The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to raise concerns for policymakers who worry about the impact of the supply shock and high energy prices on the real economy. Producer price data and various survey results on the housing market were the main news from the U.S. this week. In Europe, industrial production data for the euro area gained attention. GDP figures out of China and the policy move by the Singapore central bank were in focus in Asia.