Voice of Her Time

Despite the difficulties she encountered in 1968, Aretha maintained her busy touring schedule. She recorded a live album in Paris, France. She toured Germany, Holland, Sweden, Italy, and the Netherlands. She broke her leg in Hawaii, but performed a concert there in a wheelchair. She performed the national anthem at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago.

In her personal life, Aretha had reached the end of her marriage to Ted White. Worn down by his drinking and abuse, Aretha divorced Ted in late 1968. It was a relief for some of Aretha's friends and family, who feared that Ted was not treating her well. For Aretha it was the end of a turbulent time with a man she had loved.