Aretha Franklin
Biography
Aretha Louise Franklin (March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who is widely regarded as the "Queen of Soul". Rolling Stone magazine has twice named her the greatest singer of all time. With over 75 million records sold worldwide, she is one of the best-selling music artists in history.
Early Life and Gospel Beginnings
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Franklin's family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was the pastor at New Bethel Baptist Church. Her mother, Barbara, was a gospel singer and pianist. Franklin's musical talents were evident from a young age; she learned to play piano by ear and began singing solos at her father's church. At age 14, she recorded her first album, "Songs of Faith" (1956). During her teenage years, she toured with her father's "gospel caravan" and befriended gospel legends like Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke.
The Rise to Stardom
Columbia Records
At 18, Franklin transitioned from gospel to secular music and signed with Columbia Records. While at Columbia, she released her first album, "Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo" in 1961 and had some R&B hits, but her career didn't fully take off.
Atlantic Records and the "Queen of Soul"
Franklin's career skyrocketed after signing with Atlantic Records in 1966. Her first single with Atlantic, "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" (1967), became her first million-seller. This was followed by a string of iconic hits that cemented her status as the "Queen of Soul," including "Respect," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools," "Think," and "I Say a Little Prayer." Her powerful and soulful voice, combined with her gospel roots, defined the sound of soul music in the 1960s. Her albums "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" (1967), "Lady Soul" (1968), and "Aretha Now" (1968) were all major successes.
Continued Success and Later Career
Throughout the 1970s, Franklin continued to release successful albums, including the acclaimed live gospel album "Amazing Grace" (1972), which is one of the best-selling gospel albums of all time. In the 1980s, she signed with Arista Records and found renewed mainstream success with albums like "Who's Zoomin' Who?" (1985) and the hit single "Freeway of Love." She also recorded a successful duet with George Michael, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" (1987), which became a number one hit. She continued to record and perform for the rest of her life, releasing her final album, "A Brand New Me," in 2017.
Musical Style and Influence
Franklin's distinctive vocal style, characterized by its power, range, and emotional depth, has influenced countless singers across genres. She was also a talented pianist and often accompanied herself on her recordings. Her music fused gospel, soul, R&B, and pop, creating a sound that was uniquely her own.
Activism and Legacy
Aretha Franklin was a significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement. Her song "Respect" became an anthem for both the civil rights and feminist movements. She was a friend of Martin Luther King Jr. and sang at his funeral in 1968. She used her platform and resources to support various activist groups throughout her life.
Awards and Recognition
Franklin received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. She won 18 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1987, she became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 and a special Pulitzer Prize citation in 2019.