Aretha Franklin performs during the 2012 Essence Music Festival on July 8, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photos: Essence Music Festival 2012. Aretha Franklin performs during the 2012 Essence Music Festival on July 8, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Aretha Franklin performs during the 2012 Essence Music Festival on July 8, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox Subscribe Read More About Kelly live music