The National Portrait Gallery celebrated Hank Aaron, Aretha Franklin, fashion designer Carolina Herrera, artist Maya Lin and Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Kyle Carpenter at its inaugural American Portrait Gala Sunday night. Portraits of each of the honorees are included in the museum’s collection.

What started as a typical Washington fundraiser turned into a soulful jam thanks to Franklin’s performance. After singing “Amazing Grace” at the piano, the ageless diva launched into “Freedom,” “Chain of Fools” and “RESPECT” — getting the gowns and tuxes out of their chairs and dancing in the narrow aisles.

“What a pleasure it is to be here and share this evening with you all,” Franklin told the crowd.

Read more at The Washington Post.

Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post