Erma Franklin, born on March 13, 1938, was an accomplished American soul, R&B, and gospel singer, famously recognized as the elder sister of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Although often overshadowed by her younger sister's monumental career, Erma made a name for herself with her powerful vocal talent and emotive performances. She is best known for her original recording of the classic song "Piece of My Heart," which was later famously covered by Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company, achieving massive success and recognition in its own right.

Throughout her career, Erma Franklin released a modest but impactful catalog of music. Her discography includes the albums "Her Name Is Erma," which introduced her to the world, and the singles that demonstrated her distinctive vocal prowess. Posthumous collections such as "Brunswick Essentials" and "Erma Franklin: Piece Of Her Heart – The Epic And Shout Years" have helped newer generations discover and celebrate Erma's unique contributions to the soul and R&B genres. While she never achieved the same level of stardom as Aretha, Erma Franklin's voice remains an enduring and cherished part of the rich tapestry of American music. Erma passed away on September 7, 2002, leaving behind a legacy of soulful brilliance and emotional depth in her music.

Genres

Southern Soul

Related Artists

Aretha Franklin

Etta James

Tina Turner

Gladys Knight

Mavis Staples

Bettye LaVette

Patti LaBelle

Carla Thomas

Candi Staton

Irma Thomas

Ruth Brown

Whitney Houston

Latest Release

Erma

Erma Franklin

Album - 12 Tracks - Released October 15, 2021