ON THIS DAY IN 1960, ARETHA FRANKLIN PERFORMED THE FIRST NON-GOSPEL CONCERT OF HER CAREER

Taking the stage at Vanguard Village in New York, an 18 year old Franklin performed a variety of blues and pop standards.

Thirteen days later, Franklin achieved her first R&B chart single, “Today I Sing the Blues.” Written by Curtis Lewis, the song reached #10 on the U.S Charts. It was re-recorded in 1969, where it reached #101 on the pop charts.

This launched an immense career, with Franklin selling over 75 million records worldwide and receiving multiple awards and honours, including 18 Grammy Awards. Perhaps most recognised is her placing at #1 in Rolling Stone’s 2008 list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.