Aretha Franklin

Date of Birth: March 25, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: August 16, 2018

Biography

Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who became one of the most influential and iconic musicians of all time. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Franklin began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church, where her father, C.L. Franklin, was minister. Her powerful voice and emotive delivery were evident from a young age, and she signed her first recording deal with Columbia Records in 1960. However, it was not until she signed with Atlantic Records in 1967 that she achieved her breakthrough with hits like “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think.” Franklin’s career spanned over six decades, during which she won 18 Grammy Awards, including the first eight awards given for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Beyond her musical achievements, Aretha was also known for her activism, particularly her support for the civil rights movement and women’s rights. She performed at the inaugurations of three U.S. Presidents: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

5 Interesting Facts about Aretha Franklin

1. Aretha Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

2. She performed at the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, singing “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.”

3. In 2005, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.

4. Aretha Franklin’s rendition of “Respect” became an anthem for the civil rights and feminist movements.

5. She was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation in 2019 for her contributions to American music and culture.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Aretha Franklin

1. “Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.”

2. “Women absolutely deserve respect.”

3. “Falling out of love is like losing weight. It’s a lot easier putting it on than taking it off.”

4. “I’m the lady next door when I’m not on stage.”

5. “It’s very satisfying. To perform for the president, it was very gratifying. I felt very good.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Aretha Franklin’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $80 million.

Children

Aretha Franklin had four children: 1. Clarence Franklin, born in 1955 2. Edward Franklin, born in 1957 3. Ted White Jr., born in 1964 4. Kecalf Cunningham, born in 1970