Aretha Franklin’s Most Moving Performance Was At The Silverdome

On March 29th, 1987, 93,173 people jammed their way into the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan to see if the WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan could defeat the then undefeated Andre The Giant. This would go on to be the World Indoor Attendance Record for over a decade. It was by far the largest event in Sports Entertainment history and proved to be one of the most memorable nights in WWE history as well.

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon once described it with tears in his eyes: "When I was walking to the ring, all I could think about was my dad. And as I stepped through the ropes I could feel his presence. It was a good thing."

The emotion that night was captured by a rendition of "America The Beautiful" performed by The Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

I remember watching this on PPV as a child, as my brother and father were in attendance. Watching back now, I still get goosebumps and a little choked up. This performance set the tone for the whole evening. It's the perfect bit of nostalgia for a "Throw Back Thursday," and a wonderful tribute to the performer she was. This will always stick with me as her best, and my favorite WWE event of all time.

Thank you Queen.

Rest In Power.