101 Soul Queen (Aretha Franklin)

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Who was Aretha Franklin?

Aretha Franklin (March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist, widely known as the "Queen of Soul." With a career spanning more than six decades, Franklin became one of the most influential and celebrated artists in music history.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Franklin grew up surrounded by gospel music. Her father, C.L. Franklin, was a prominent Baptist minister, and Aretha began singing in church at a young age. By the age of 18, she had signed with Columbia Records, but it wasn’t until she moved to Atlantic Records in the late 1960s that she found her signature sound.

Her breakthrough hit “Respect” (1967) became a defining anthem of the civil rights and feminist movements, earning her two Grammy Awards. Other timeless classics include “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think.” Over her career, Franklin won 18 Grammy Awards and became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Aretha Franklin’s powerful voice and emotional depth made her a global icon. She performed at major events including presidential inaugurations and received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Franklin passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2018 at the age of 76. Her legacy lives on through her music, which continues to inspire generations. Aretha Franklin remains a symbol of soul, empowerment, and artistic excellence.