Aretha Louise Franklin (March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018), known as the Queen of Soul, was an American singer-songwriter and pianist. Her musical repertoire included gospel, soul, R&B, and pop.

Early life

Her father was a Baptist minister and her mother was a gospel singer. She grew up in Detroit. As a child, she sang in her father’s church. At the age of 14, she recorded her first gospel album. When she was 18, she moved to New York to sign with Columbia Records.

Musical career

In 1967, she signed with Atlantic Records. There, she recorded her greatest hits. These included “Respect”, “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)”, “Chain of Fools”, and Think. Her powerful and emotional voice made her an international star. Her musical style fused gospel, soul, and R&B.

Throughout her career, she released more than 40 albums and won 18 Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical success, Franklin was a civil rights activist and a female icon.

Legacy

Aretha Franklin is considered one of the greatest singers of all time and one of the most influential figures in popular music. Her voice and style have inspired generations of artists and her legacy endures in today’s music.