family and friends. clearly an iconic figure, a musical power house with an instantly recognizable voice that blended gospel, soul and r & b over an incredible six decades. ms. aretha franklin built a legacy that is unmatched among her contemporaries. nbc's lester holt has more on the life and legacy of the one-and-only aretha franklin. ♪ r-e-s-p-e-c-t >> there has never been a voice like hers. and there may never again be anyone like her. ♪ baby please don't go >> aretha franklin, the queen of soul, and icon of american music. ♪ say a prayer for you >> no other female singer was ago celebrated or honored as aretha franklin. 18 grammys, 21 number billboard singles, 45 songs in the top 40. >> our nation honors ms. aretha