Aretha Franklin

About

Aretha Franklin was a renowned American singer, songwriter, and pianist known as the "Queen of Soul." Born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, she grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where her father, C.L. Franklin, was a prominent minister. Franklin began singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church and later transitioned to secular music at age 18. She signed with Columbia Records but found significant success after joining Atlantic Records in 1966. Her iconic albums include I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You and Lady Soul. Franklin was a trailblazer in music and activism. She was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Her powerful voice supported civil rights and women's rights movements, with songs like "Respect" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" becoming anthems for social change. Franklin received numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, a Kennedy Center Honor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her legacy continues to inspire generations with her enduring impact on music and social justice.