Aretha Franklin, known as "The Queen of Soul," was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist who has left an indelible mark on the landscape of music. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 25, 1942, Franklin began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father C.L. Franklin was a minister. By the late 1960s, she had achieved commercial acclaim and artistic recognition after signing with Atlantic Records. Her hits like "Respect," "Chain of Fools," "Think," and "I Say a Little Prayer" became anthems for the civil rights and feminist movements, with her powerful, emotive voice cutting across the boundaries of genre and generation.

Franklin's influence on the music industry was profound, earning her numerous accolades, including 18 Grammy Awards, and becoming the first female performer inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her vocal prowess and distinctive sound, which fused elements of gospel, jazz, blues, and R&B, defined a new era of soul music. With a career spanning over six decades, Aretha's music continues to resonate with fans old and new, as evidenced by a collection of releases that celebrate her legacy, such as "ARETHA," an anthology of her work, and a restoration of her live performance in Stockholm, highlighting her enduring presence on the world stage. She passed away on August 16, 2018, leaving behind a musical canon that has undeniably shaped the fabric of American music.

Genres

Classic Soul

Jazz Blues

Memphis Soul

Soul

Southern Soul

Vocal Jazz

Related Artists

Chaka Khan

Marvin Gaye

Etta James

Tina Turner

Al Green

Patti LaBelle

Gladys Knight

Whitney Houston

Otis Redding

Diana Ross

Alicia Keys

Mavis Staples

Latest Release

Aretha Franklin Live at Berns Salonger, Stockholm May 2nd. 1968 (Restauración 2023)

Aretha Franklin

Album - 7 Tracks - Released June 23, 2023