Legendary American singer, songwriter, and pianist Aretha Franklin was renowned for her soulful and powerful voice. She began her musical career singing gospel in her father’s church after being born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee. Franklin rapidly attracted attention and admiration for her extraordinary talent and capacity to transmit powerful emotions through her performances.

 

When she joined Atlantic Records in the middle of the 1960s, Franklin’s career really took off. She rose to prominence as an emblem of female emancipation and the civil rights movement. She seamlessly merged several musical styles, such as soul, R&B, gospel, and pop, to produce her distinctive sound.

 

Franklin’s capacity to infuse her songs with a genuine feeling of passion was one of her most distinctive talents. Her voice conveyed a raw strength that connected with listeners whether she was singing about love, heartbreak, or social issues. Her cover of Otis Redding’s “Respect” turned into a rallying cry for women’s rights and a meme of the time.

 

Franklin produced a tonne of hit songs throughout the course of her career, many of which are now classics. She is well known for the songs “Chain of Fools,” “Think,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “I Say a Little Prayer.” Her songs demonstrated her vocal range, adaptability, and capacity to emotionally engage listeners.

 

Franklin was well-known for her activism and support of the civil rights struggle in addition to her musical talents. She frequently performed at charity concerts and utilized her music to inspire change, using her platform to advocate for social justice and equality.

 

Aretha Franklin had a significant influence on the music business. Throughout her career, she won various honors and medals, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and 18 Grammy medals. She was named the best vocalist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine due to her tremendous voice and musical skills.

 

Aretha Franklin passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 76, leaving behind a great legacy. Her contributions to soul and R&B music will always be remembered, and her music continues to inspire and have an impact on future generations of musicians. Aretha Franklin is still regarded as a timeless example of ability, tenacity, and musical brilliance.

 

Aretha Franklin Bio

 

Today we will share all about Aretha Franklin‘s Profile, Including Aretha Franklin Age, Height, Weight, Body Measurement, Net Worth, Profession, Famous, country, Religious, Ethnicity, Aretha Franklin Husband, Aretha Franklin Children, Aretha Franklin Father Hobiess, Family, Aretha Franklin Education, Career, Aretha Franklin Songs, Aretha Franklin Net Worth, Aretha Franklin Death, etc

 

Aretha Franklin Facts

 

Name Aretha Franklin
Nickname The Queen Of Soul
Born March 25, 1942, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Age 76 years
Aretha Franklin birthplace Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Aretha Franklin Death August 16, 2018, Detroit, Michigan, United States
Profession Singer, Actor, Composer, Producer
Influenced by George Michael, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, MORE
Country United States
Nationality American
Aretha Franklin Religion Christian
Zodiac Sign Aries

Aretha Franklin Family

Father C. L. Franklin
Mother Barbara Siggers Franklin
Aretha Franklin Husband Glynn Turman (m. 1978–1984), Ted White (m. 1961–1969)
Siblings Erma Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, Carl Ellan Kelley, Rev. Cecil Franklin, Vaughn Franklin
Children Kecalf Cunningham, Clarence Franklin, Edward Franklin, Teddy Richards

 

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Aretha Franklin Bio, Age, Height, Wiki, Profile, Net Worth, Death, and More

Aretha Franklin Bio, Age, Height, Wiki, Profile, Net Worth, Death, and More

 

Early life

 

Clarence LaVaughn Franklin and Barbara Siggers Franklin welcomed a daughter, Aretha, into the world on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee. Her mother was a gifted pianist and performer, and her father, “C. L. Franklin,” was a well-known Baptist clergyman and gospel singer. Aretha was the fourth of the family’s five children.

 

Franklin’s family moved to Detroit, Michigan when she was a little child, where her father accepted a position as pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church. Aretha was exposed to gospel, jazz, and blues music at a young age because she grew up in a musical family. She started singing in the church choir and picking up the piano by ear.

 

Sadly, Franklin’s mother died when she was ten years old, and her parents divorced when she was six. Despite these difficulties, Franklin continued to improve her voice and found comfort in music. She frequently gave performances at her father’s church, enthralling the audience with her beautiful and powerful voice.

 

When Aretha was just a teenager, C. L. Franklin started planning gospel music tours for her because she was aware of her daughter’s extraordinary talent. She gained vital performance experience from these tours, which also influenced the direction of her music. Gospel performers like Clara Ward and Mahalia Jackson had a big impact on her.

 

Records companies took notice of Franklin’s potential, and at the age of 18, she secured her first significant recording contract with Columbia Records. Her music initially tended to be more jazzy and pop, but she failed to get her big break with the company.

 

Franklin’s career didn’t take off until she joined Atlantic Records in 1966. She embraced her gospel and soul origins under Atlantic, and her distinctive style and powerful voice soon became her signature. Franklin’s incredible rise to fame from her early musical training in the church to her status as a global icon is a monument to both her exceptional talent and tenacity.

 

Aretha Franklin Education

 

The main subject of Aretha Franklin’s education was her musical upbringing and experiences. Franklin developed her abilities as a vocalist and pianist from a young age because she was raised in a musically interested household and spent a large portion of her early life immersed in gospel music.

 

Franklin officially attended Detroit, Michigan, public schools. She continued to hone her singing skills while she was a student at Northern High School, where she was an active member of the school chorus. Her ability as a singer quickly became apparent, and even in her school years, she was recognized for her soulful and strong voice.

 

Franklin received an education outside of the typical classroom environment. Through her involvement in the New Bethel Baptist Church, the church where her father is the pastor, she obtained considerable musical education and training. She had access to a rich musical milieu as the daughter of a well-known Baptist minister and learned from seasoned musicians and gospel singers.

 

Franklin’s exposure to numerous musical genres and influences, in addition to her official education, had a big impact on how she developed musically. Her style and approach to music were influenced by musicians like Mahalia Jackson, Clara Ward, Dinah Washington, and Sam Cooke.

 

While Franklin’s official education may not have followed a typical academic path, it is vital to remember that her musical training and experiences were crucial in establishing her as one of the greatest vocalists of all time and in influencing her career.

 

Height & Weight/Physical Stats

 

Body Measurement 35-38-42
Height 5 feet 5 Inches
Weight 85 Pounds
Eye Color Dark Brown
Hair Color Black
Shoe Size 6 (US)

 

Gallery

 

 

 

 

Career

 

Aretha Franklin’s career spanned several decades and encompassed numerous achievements, making her one of the most celebrated musicians in history. Here is an overview of her remarkable career:

 

Early Career (Late 1950s-1960s)

 

The late 1950s saw the start of Franklin’s career when she signed with J.V.B. Records and put out a number of gospel albums.

She joined Columbia Records in 1960 and put out a number of records showcasing her vocal prowess in jazz, pop, and R&B, among other genres.

Despite considerable notoriety during this time, she had trouble finding lasting commercial success.

 

Breakthrough and Rise to Stardom (Late 1960s-1970s)

 

Franklin’s career changed when she joined Atlantic Records in 1966. She moved her attention to R&B with gospel and soul under Atlantic.

“I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” (1967), her debut album with Atlantic, was a breakout success and featured the well-known ballad “Respect,” which topped the charts and became her signature song.

The late 1960s and early 1970s saw Franklin continue to put out a number of popular albums, such as “Lady Soul” (1968), “Young, Gifted and Black” (1972), and “Amazing Grace” (1972).

During this time, she had a number of successes that reached the top of the charts, including “Chain of Fools,” “Think,” and “Day Dreaming.”

 

Career Maturity and Recognition (1980s-1990s)

 

Franklin’s career took off after signing with Arista Records in the 1980s.

She enjoyed significant commercial success thanks to the albums “Jump to It” (1982) and “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” (1985), which contained songs like “Motorway of Love.”

Franklin expanded her musical range by working with a number of well-known musicians, such as George Michael, the Eurythmics, and Elton John.

Aside from being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and winning a Grammy Legend Award in 1991, she garnered a number of other honors throughout this time, including Grammy Awards.

 

Later Career and Legacy (2000s-2010s)

 

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Franklin continued to put out albums and do live performances.

Her 2003 album, “So Damn Happy,” brought her another Grammy Award.

She performed on a number of distinguished occasions, including President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration.

Franklin got numerous honors, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005) and a special commendation from the Pulitzer Prize (2019), for her influence and impact on the music industry.

She recorded her last studio song in 2017, and on August 16, 2018, she passed away, leaving a lasting musical legacy.

 

Aretha Franklin’s career was distinguished by her extraordinary vocal prowess, stirring performances, and capacity to emotionally engage crowds. She made invaluable contributions to gospel, R&B, and soul music, and her influence continues to motivate musicians and fans all around the world.

 

Aretha Franklin Songs

 

Aretha Franklin had a prolific career and released numerous iconic songs throughout her lifetime. Here are some of her most well-known and beloved tracks:

 

Respect Baby, I Love You
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves (with Eurythmics)
Think Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Chain of Fools Day Dreaming
I Say a Little Prayer The House That Jack Built
I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)
Ain’t No Way I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) (with George Michael)
Rock Steady Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)
Freeway of Love Bridge Over Troubled Water
Spanish Harlem Who’s Zoomin’ Who?

 

These songs represent just a fraction of Aretha Franklin’s extensive discography. Her powerful voice, emotional depth, and ability to infuse soul into every performance made her songs timeless and unforgettable.

 

Aretha Franklin Awards

 

Aretha Franklin received numerous awards and accolades throughout her illustrious career. Here are some of the major awards and honors she received:

 

Grammy Awards

 

The coveted Lifetime Achievement Award and the Grammy Legend Award were among Franklin’s 18 Grammy Awards. She won Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Respect” (1968) and “Chain of Fools” (1969) as well as Best Gospel Performance for “Amazing Grace” (1972), among other prestigious awards.

 

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

 

In 1987, Franklin became the first female performer to be admitted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her substantial contributions to the genre were honored by this acknowledgment.

 

Presidential Medal of Freedom

 

Franklin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2005 for her outstanding contributions to music and culture.

 

Kennedy Center Honors

 

In 1994, Franklin received the Kennedy Centre Honours, a recognition of her exceptional talent and services to the arts.

 

NAACP Image Awards

 

For “A Rose Is Still a Rose” in 1999, she received Outstanding Female Artist and Outstanding Female Music Video NAACP Image Awards, giving her a career-long total of many such honors.

 

Hollywood Walk of Fame

 

Franklin is recognized for her contributions to the recording business with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

Pulitzer Prize Special Citation

 

The Pulitzer Prize Board honored Franklin posthumously in 2019 for her immeasurable contribution to American music and culture with a special citation.

 

These are only a few of the numerous honors and accolades that Aretha Franklin was given throughout her life. She has cemented her place among the greatest musicians of all time with her extraordinary talent, ground-breaking accomplishments, and enduring legacy.

 

Legacy

 

Aretha Franklin’s legacy is profound and far-reaching, making her an iconic figure in music history. Here are some aspects of her enduring legacy:

 

Voice and Musical Prowess

 

Aretha Franklin became one of the greatest singers of all time thanks to her extraordinary vocal prowess, which was exemplified by her wide vocal range, soulful delivery, and unrivaled emotional intensity. Her voice had a strong sense of genuineness that had a lasting effect on listeners.

 

Queen of Soul

 

Franklin’s position as the “Queen of Soul” is a testament to her unrivaled impact on the soul music subgenre. She combined gospel-infused soul with R&B, pop, and jazz components to make it popular. Her distinct style served as a model for other musicians and continues to be an inspiration for new generations.

 

Empowerment and Activism

 

The music of Aretha Franklin radiated power, resiliency, and empowerment. She advocated for social justice, gender equality, and civil rights using her platform. Songs like “Respect” evolved into anthems for community uplift and served as rallying cries for oppressed groups

 

Chart Success and Hit Songs

 

With a streak of number-one hits, Franklin enjoyed tremendous commercial success throughout her career. Her albums continuously found a following, and her songs, such as “Respect,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “Think,” have become timeless classics.

 

Cultural Impact and Influence

 

The influence of Franklin went beyond the music industry. She overcame obstacles for African American artists, becoming a representation of black greatness. Her capacity to appeal to a wide range of audiences and cross genres demonstrated the ability of music to unite people.

 

Musical Inspiration

 

Numerous musicians that were influenced by Aretha Franklin’s vocal style, technique, and musicality may be heard in their work. Her influence can be observed in the careers of vocalists in a variety of genres, including gospel, pop, and R&B.

 

Honors and Recognitions

 

In addition to several Grammy Awards, inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the NAACP Image Awards, Franklin was also given the Presidential Medal of Freedom during her lifetime. These awards show how highly regarded and admired she was both within and outside of the industry.

 

Aretha Franklin left behind a lasting legacy as a groundbreaking performer, a cultural icon, and a powerful voice in music. Her timeless song continues to uplift generations and serve as a reminder of the strength of sincerity, the soul, and the pursuit of justice.

 

Aretha Franklin Death

 

At the age of 76, Aretha Franklin passed away on August 16, 2018. She passed away at her Detroit, Michigan, home in the company of her loved ones. She had been discreetly battling advanced pancreatic cancer for some years when she passed away.

 

An outpouring of grief and tributes from Franklin’s admirers, fellow musicians, and public personalities all across the world followed the news of her departure. Her passing signaled the end of an era and created a large gap in the music business.

 

Aretha Franklin died, but her music and legacy live on in the hearts and minds of listeners. She will always be regarded as one of the best vocalists of all time due to her incredible talent, powerful voice, and contributions to gospel, R&B, and soul music.

 

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FAQ

Aretha Franklin became a mother at the age of 12. She gave birth to her first child, a son named Clarence, in 1955. The father of the child was reportedly Donald Burk, a boy from school who also fathered her second child, Edward, two years later when Franklin was 14 years old. It's important to note that Franklin was a young teenager when she had her children, and these circumstances played a significant role in her life and journey as a mother and artist.
Aretha Franklin became famous through her exceptional talent as a singer and her groundbreaking contributions to music. Here is a summary of how she achieved fame: Early Musical Upbringing: Franklin's musical journey began in her childhood, as she grew up in a musically talented family. Her father, C. L. Franklin, was a prominent Baptist minister and gospel singer, and her mother, Barbara Siggers Franklin, was a pianist and vocalist. Franklin started singing in her father's church and developed her skills as a pianist and vocalist at a young age. Record Deal with Columbia Records: In the late 1950s, Franklin signed her first major recording contract with Columbia Records. She released a series of albums that showcased her versatile vocal abilities across various genres, including jazz, pop, and R&B. However, she struggled to achieve significant commercial success during this period. Breakthrough with Atlantic Records: Franklin's career took a major turn in 1966 when she signed with Atlantic Records, a label known for its focus on soul and R&B music. Under Atlantic, she found her artistic direction and embraced her gospel roots, infusing her music with soulful and passionate performances. Chart-Topping Hits: Franklin's breakthrough came in 1967 with the release of her album "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You." The album featured her iconic rendition of Otis Redding's "Respect," which became a massive hit and catapulted her to stardom. Franklin followed this success with a series of chart-topping hits, including "Chain of Fools," "Think," and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman." Cultural Impact and Empowerment: Franklin's music resonated with audiences and became a powerful symbol of empowerment, particularly during the civil rights movement. Her songs, including "Respect," became anthems for equality and women's rights, connecting deeply with listeners and earning her the title of the "Queen of Soul." Awards and Honors: Franklin's talent and impact were widely recognized. She received numerous accolades, including 18 Grammy Awards, inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the NAACP Image Awards, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Through her powerful voice, emotional delivery, and undeniable talent, Aretha Franklin's rise to fame was propelled by her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. Her contributions to soul, R&B, and gospel music solidified her status as one of the greatest singers in history.
Aretha Franklin won a total of 18 Grammy Awards throughout her career. Her Grammy wins spanned various categories, recognizing her exceptional vocal performances, songwriting, and album releases. Some of her notable Grammy wins include Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for songs like "Respect" and "Chain of Fools," Best R&B Album for "Young, Gifted and Black," and Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for her album "A Rose Is Still a Rose." Franklin's Grammy Awards are a testament to her immense talent and the enduring impact of her music.
Aretha Franklin's cause of death was advanced pancreatic cancer. She battled the disease privately for several years before her passing on August 16, 2018. Pancreatic cancer is a particularly aggressive form of cancer, and Franklin's passing marked the end of a remarkable musical career that spanned several decades. Her death was a significant loss to the music industry, and she is remembered as one of the greatest singers of all time.
Franklin was a Christian and was a registered Democrat
Aretha won 18 Grammys, had 112 singles on the Billboard charts, and sold over 75 million records worldwide. She was the first female performer inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and remains the most charted female artist in history.
“The Queen of Soul Stays Here” – How New Bethel Baptist Church Raised Aretha Franklin. New Bethel Baptist Church, now on Linwood and Philadelphia Streets in Detroit, was a focal point of Franklin's career