Through countless awards and her longevity in the industry, Aretha Franklin has been acknowledged as the reigning "Queen of Soul" but the legendary singer was recently honored outside the realm of the music world at Harvard University.
Franklin was recently awarded with an honorary degree from the illustrious institution.
George H.W. Bush, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Franklin and five others were honored at the commencement ceremony held on Thursday (May 29).
Former President Bush received the doctor of laws degree. Bloomberg delivered a commencement speech criticizing intolerance.
Billboard reports that Franklin took to the piano to perform the national anthem as she sang along. She received an honorary doctor of arts.
Back in March, Music Times reported that Franklin was working on a new album slated to feature Babyface and Andre 3000.
"So, I'm just waiting for [Babyface] to finish that so he can finish my tracks please...And I think Andre 2000 - is it two or three? 3000 is going to be doing some of the tracks with him," Franklin said during her birthday celebration at the Ritz-Carlton in New York City.
During an interview with Rolling Stone, Franklin spoke highly of Andre 3000 saying, "I love everything he does. He's got a groove that I really, really like."
As previously reported, Franklin said once she sang over the tracks sent to her by Babyface, she would be aiming for a release this month.
Be on the look out for new music from Aretha Franklin.
