Franklin, Aretha (1942-2018), was an American rhythm and blues singer. She ranks among the best-selling female artists in the history of recorded music. Franklin became popularly known as the “Queen of Soul.” Her 1967 recording of “Respect” became an inspirational anthem for the civil rights movement and a symbol of black pride.
Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was raised in Detroit, Michigan. She began her singing career at the age of 12 in the Detroit church of her father, C. L. Franklin, a noted preacher and gospel singer. She later transferred the passion and intensity of her gospel singing to popular songs. Most of Franklin’s recordings also feature her piano playing.
Franklin’s period of greatest popularity came in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. In 1967 alone, she had five top-10 hit recordings. They were “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” “Respect,” “Baby, I Love You,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “Chain of Fools.” In 1968, she recorded the hits “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone,” “Think,” “The House That Jack Built,” and “I Say a Little Prayer.” Franklin’s other hits include “Share Your Love with Me” (1969), “Call Me” (1970), “Spanish Harlem” and “Rock Steady” (both 1971), “Day Dreaming” (1972), “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” (1973), “Freeway of Love” (1985), and “Jimmy Lee” (1986). Franklin recorded gospel music. Her gospel albums include Amazing Grace (1972) and One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism (1987).
In 1987, Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her autobiography, Aretha: From These Roots, was published in 1999. Franklin died on Aug. 16, 2018, in Detroit.
