Aretha Franklin, who died on Thursday, was best known for her rapturous, soulful voice and her ability to reach into the chest of her audience.

But beyond the floor-length furs, gorgeous gowns and elaborate headdresses she wore onstage, beyond the lights, Ms. Franklin was involved with the civil rights movement, and she remained passionate about the progress of African-Americans and women throughout her life.

“She used her platform to inform others,” the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson said in an interview. “She did not put her career before principles.”

[Read the New York Times obituary for Aretha Franklin.]

Ms. Franklin put on fund-raisers, went on tour, gave free shows and bailed out activists in support of social movements. The fight was never over. Her career spanned five decades, from the early days of the civil rights movement through the two terms of the first black president.