KTVU-CHANNEL 2 (OAKLAND) -- Renee Lubin, a performer with Beach Blanket Babylon for more than three decades, paid homage by singing Franklin's songs.
Lubin is also a vocal coach at San Francisco State University. Like Franklin, her musical background came from church.
“I grew up in the church. I see Aretha, hear the sound of her voice. You realize where all of that beautiful mixture came from,” said Lubin.
On keyboard is Dee Spencer, professor of musical theatre at San Francisco State.
“You feel her energy. It’s undeniable,” said Spencer. She says Respect has become an anthem.
“People today look at that song and use it as part of the civil rights movement, as part of the women’s march. And people are walking around going ‘R-E-S-P-E-C-T,’” said Spencer.