What hall of fame inducted Aretha Franklin as its first female performer in 1987?

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Aretha Franklin as its first female performer in 1987. Her induction made her the first woman honored in the institution’s performer category and recognized her enormous influence on soul, R&B, gospel, and rock music.

Franklin was inducted during the Rock Hall’s second annual induction class. The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards inducted her, while music executive Clive Davis and Franklin’s brother Cecil Franklin accepted the honor on her behalf. Franklin was not present at the ceremony, but her achievement immediately became a landmark in the Hall’s history.

Her induction was not the same as membership in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Gospel Music Hall of Fame, or Grammy Hall of Fame. Franklin later received many additional honors, including induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2012. The Rock Hall recognition specifically celebrated her role as a performer and her lasting impact on the development of rock and roll.