Maren Morris Sings ‘A Natural Woman’ in Memory of Aretha Franklin [WATCH]
Maren Morris paid tribute to the "Queen of Soul" herself, Aretha Franklin, during a Las Vegas performance on Saturday evening (Aug. 18), with a rendition of Franklin's 1967 hit, "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman." Following Franklin's death earlier in the week, Morris' soulful performance of the song comes as a chance to remember the legendary and beloved singer. Press play above to watch Morris' performance.
In a snippet that Morris' bass player, Annie Clements, posted to her Instagram, Clements explained why singers of all stripes look to Franklin -- and the music she left behind -- with such reverence. "This song is written on the souls of millions, something I realized in the short time we had at sound check the other day to work it up in Aretha's honor," she explains. "It was effortless; it's in our bones, ready to emerge at a moment's notice. Every nuance of Aretha's version is imprinted. It lives in us the way great music does. Immortal. Hope you hear all these souls lifting their voices to you in heaven, Aretha, and know that your spirit is in our bones here on earth."
Morris posted the video to her Instagram as well, stating simply, "All hail Queen Aretha. Loved singing this this weekend."
In the wake of Franklin's death, several country singers offered up tribute performances in honor her lasting impact on music. Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert are just a couple of the artists who included homages to the legendary singer in their recent setlists.
At the time of her death, Franklin was 76. She was reported to be "gravely ill" earlier in the week, and died at her home in Detroit, Mich. She charted more than 100 singles on Billboard charts and won a total of 18 Grammy Awards, and was also the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is remembered for her massive catalog of iconic songs, including "Respect," "I Never Loved a Man (the Way That I Love You)," "Think" and many others.
Aretha Franklin: Through the Years