Aretha Franklin, born in 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, was a musical prodigy AKA the "Queen of Soul”. Her career began with gospel music, but she rose to international fame with her hits during the 1960s and 1970s, including "Respect” "Natural Woman” and "Think”. With a career spanning over six decades, she won 18 Grammy Awards and was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Known for her powerful voice and emotional depth, Aretha's music transcended genres and influenced generations. Despite personal and financial struggles, she remained a beloved figure in music until her death in 2018. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower through her timeless music and powerful message of respect and dignity.
Aretha Franklin Career Highlights
1942 Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25 in Memphis, Tennessee.
1956 First Album - Released her debut gospel album, "Songs of Faith” at the age of 14.
1960 Columbia Records - Signed her first major record deal with Columbia Records and released a series of jazz and pop records.
1967 Switched to Atlantic Records, releasing the album "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” which included the hit single "Respect."
1972 Released "Amazing Grace” one of the best-selling gospel albums of all time.
1980 Signed with Arista Records and revitalized her career with hits like "Freeway of Love" and "Who's Zoomin' Who?"
1998 Delivered a memorable performance at the Grammy Awards, filling in for Luciano Pavarotti with "Nessun Dorma."
2009 Performed at President Barack Obama's inauguration.
2018 Aretha Franklin passed away on August 16 from pancreatic cancer.
Aretha Franklin Grammy Awards
Total Wins - 18 Grammy Awards.
Notable Wins
1968 Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "Respect"
1972 Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
1991 Grammy Legend Award
1994 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
3 Most Famous Aretha Franklin Songs
1. "Respect" (1967)
- A powerful anthem for civil rights and women's rights, originally written by Otis Redding.
2. "Natural Woman" (1967)
- Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, this song became a defining hit of Franklin's career.
3. "Think" (1968)
- A self-written song that became another anthem for empowerment, featured in the film "The Blues Brothers."
Aretha Franklin Quotes
Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that."
On Respect
We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It's our basic human right."
Aretha Franklin Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
- Turbulent Personal Life: Aretha Franklin's life was marked by turbulent relationships and personal struggles, including two early pregnancies in her teens.
- Tax Issues: She faced several issues with the IRS regarding unpaid taxes, which led to the public auction of her assets.
- Feud with Dionne Warwick: There was a public feud with Dionne Warwick over comments Warwick made at Whitney Houston's funeral.
- Family: Aretha was the mother of four sons and maintained close ties with her family throughout her life.
Aretha Franklin Legacy
Aretha Franklin received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and UK Music Hall of Fame.
Aretha Franklin ratings
