January 20, 2009 17:01

Aretha Franklin sings at Barack Obama's inauguration

Singer welcomes Obama to the White House

Aretha Franklin has sung the US anthem, 'Let Freedom Ring', at Barack Obama's Presidential inauguration ceremony in Washington DC today (January 20).

The legendary singer performed the song in front of the Capitol Building on Capitol Hill, where millions of people have gathered to see the new President sworn in.

Obama has been joined by his wife Michelle and his two daughters for the ceremony, with Franklin performing while wearing a black outfit including an enormous bow on her head.

Following Franklin's performance, new Vice-President Joe Biden was sworn in, and then after the performance of a piece of music written by 'Star Wars' soundtrack composer John Williams - Obama himself was sworn in as the the 44th President of the United States Of America.