[23][24] Ward was romantically involved with Aretha's father from around 1949 to Ward's death in 1973, though Aretha "preferred to view them strictly as friends". There were plans for her to record an album produced by Danger Mouse, who was replaced with Babyface and Don Was when Danger Mouse left the project. released Franklin's first single, "Never Grow Old", backed with "You Grow Closer". She was also part of the extended family that helped care for Arethas children. Franklin achieved a gold recordfor the first time in seven yearswith the 1982 album Jump to It. [107][108][109] At the Ravinia Festival on September 3, 2017, she gave her last full concert. [169] Franklin died at her home on August 16, 2018, aged 76. [92] In February 2006 she performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" with Aaron Neville and Dr. John for Super Bowl XL, held in her hometown of Detroit.[93]. The Queen of Soul largely avoided keeping her. [18] During this time, Aretha learned how to play piano by ear. Franklin's cover of "Rolling in the Deep" was featured among nine other songs in her first RCA release, Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics, released in October 2014. After 1988, "Franklin never again had huge hits", according to Rolling Stone. In 1974, she lost 40 pounds (18kg) on a very-low-calorie diet[150] and maintained her new weight until the end of the decade. [114] According to David Remnick, what "distinguishes her is not merely the breadth of her catalog or the cataract force of her vocal instrument; it's her musical intelligence, her way of singing behind the beat, of spraying a wash of notes over a single word or syllable, of constructing, moment by moment, the emotional power of a three-minute song. [97] In doing so, she became the first woman to have 100 songs on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart with the success of her cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep", which debuted at number 47 on the chart. [Part 8]: UNT Digital Library", "The Tender, The Moving, The Swinging Aretha Franklin", "This is the moment Aretha Franklin became the 'Queen of Soul', "Aretha Franklin: 18 major events in the singer's life", "How pain and passion shaped the genius of Aretha Franklin", "Aretha's R-E-S-P-E-C-T Still Spells Success", "How Mahalia Jackson defined the 'I Have a Dream' speech", "Aretha Franklin, Indomitable 'Queen of Soul,' Dies at 76", "Aretha Franklin & the Art of Musical Partnership", "Clive Davis Mourns Aretha Franklin: 'Truly One of a Kind', "John Landis, Who Directed Aretha Franklin's Only Two Movies, Remembers Her 'Blues Brothers' Turns", "Writer's Ballad Tapped For Abc-tv Fall Theme", "Watch Aretha Franklin Sing 'America the Beautiful' at WrestleMania III", "Aretha Franklin - Think (1989) (Remake - Official Music Video)", "Aretha Franklin - 'I Want To Be Happy' & 'Natural Woman' (1990) - MDA Telethon", "Aretha Franklin - 'Someone Else's Eyes' (1990) - MDA Telethon", "American album certifications Aretha Franklin A Rose Is Still a Rose", "Grammys Producer Ken Ehrlich on Aretha Franklin's Last-Minute, Showstopping 1998 Opera Moment: 'She Was Incomparable', "When Aretha Franklin stepped in for Pavarotti at the last minute to perform Nessun Dorma", "Jewels in the Crown: All Star Duets with the Queen", "Univ. Amazing Grace (1972), a live recording of her performance with a choir at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, is considered one of the great gospel albums of any era. [234] Franklin's biopic Respect was released in August 2021 in various countries. and Barbara, Erma began singing at the age of five and, alongside her other siblings, sang in her fathers gospel choir. [citation needed], Working with Wexler and Atlantic, Franklin had become "the most successful singer in the nation" by 1968. [122], Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Franklin moved to New York City in the 1960s where she lived until relocating to Los Angeles in the mid-1970s. "Precious Lord (Part One)" backed with "Precious Lord (Part Two)" followed in 1959. It sold over 500,000 copies, earning gold certification. [238], "Aretha" and "Queen of Soul" redirect here. Aretha Franklin, in full Aretha Louise Franklin, (born March 25, 1942, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.died August 16, 2018, Detroit, Michigan), American singer who defined the golden age of soul music of the 1960s. Aretha Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Clarence LaVaughan 'C.L.' Franklin and Barbara Siggers Franklin. [24] She was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2005,[197] and the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015. [152] A former chain smoker who struggled with alcoholism, she quit smoking in 1992. [206][207] Asteroid 249516 Aretha was named in her honor in 2014. The couple had a contentious relationship, and Barbara eventually grew weary of her husbands infidelity and moved to New York in 1948, although the two never officially divorced. Aretha moved back to Detroit in late 1982 to assist with the care of her father, who died at Detroit's New Light Nursing Home on July 27, 1984. She had 3 siblings and they all grew up in a religious household. "Respect" became her signature song and was later hailed as a civil rights and feminist anthem. Clarence, her firstborn who was named after the singer's preacher. Alternate titles: Aretha Louise Franklin, Queen of Soul. As a civil-rights-minded nation lent greater support to black urban music, Franklin was crowned the Queen of Soul. Respect, her 1967 cover of Otis Reddings spirited composition, became an anthem operating on personal, sexual, and racial levels. [56], In January 1967, Franklin traveled to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to record at FAME Studios and recorded the song "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)", backed by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. During that period, Franklin provided vocals to the theme songs of the TV shows A Different World and Together. What are some of Aretha Franklins most famous songs? [34] ARETHA Franklin was one of the greatest female singer songwriters of all time - known for her enduring legacy, music and activism. [138] After six months at Henry Ford Hospital while still in a coma, C. L. was moved back to his home with 24-hour nursing care. Franklin maintained a residence there until her death. She had pancreatic cancer. Despite making several albums, she never achieved solo success. In 2020, Franklin was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. While her career did not immediately flourish, Franklin found acclaim and commercial success once she signed with Atlantic Records in 1966. [2] Referred to as the "Queen of Soul", she has twice been placed ninth in Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". [134] After a contentious marriage that was marred by domestic abuse, Franklin separated from White in 1968 and divorced him in 1969. Corrections? https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aretha-Franklin, Academy of Achievement - Biography of Aretha Franklin, Aretha Franklin - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Aretha Franklin - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (1987). It was also understood that our future as women our education and our career would not be compromised because of these early births. She added, Daddy recognized our ambition as a psychological force we had inherited from him. In 1998, Franklin returned to the Top 40 with the Lauryn Hill-produced song "A Rose Is Still a Rose"; later, she released an album with the same name. [198] Franklin became the second woman inducted to the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. A reluctant interviewee, Franklin kept her private life private, claiming that the popular perception associating her with the unhappiness of singers Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday was misinformed. [226][227], A tribute concert, "Aretha! In 1979, C.L. Label executive John H. Hammond later said he felt Columbia did not understand Franklin's early gospel background and failed to bring that aspect out further during her period there. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Franklin left Atlantic in 1979 and signed with Arista Records. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Franklin's half-brother Vaughn died in late 2002. Franklin recorded 112 charted singles on the US Billboard charts, including 73 Hot 100 entries, 17 top-ten pop singles, 100 R&B entries and 20 number-one R&B singles. In David Ritzs 2015 biography, Respect: The Life of Aretha Franklin, Erma said, It was understood that our babies would be welcomed into the world and cared for with limitless love. [132][133] She had actually seen White the first time at a party held at her house in 1954. "American history wells up when Aretha sings", President Obama explained in response to her performance of "A Natural Woman" at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. According to music producer Quincy Jones, while Franklin was still young, Dinah Washington let him know that "Aretha was the 'next one'". [21][22] His fame led to his home being visited by various celebrities. Aretha Franklin died of advanced pancreatic cancer on August 16, 2018, in Detroit, Michigan. As depicted in the film, though Arethas father and some of her siblings were primarily based in Detroit, Michigan, her family members often joined her in recording studios and on tour across the country. "Nobody embodies more fully the connection between the African-American spiritual, the blues, R&B, rock and rollthe way that hardship and sorrow were transformed into something full of beauty and vitality and hope. A small boy was so touched by her performance that he came onto the stage and embraced her while Franklin was still singing. Carolyn worked on a variety of musical projects, and even considered acting before she decided to move back to Detroit after her father was shot. [124] On August 31, 1957, at the age of 15, Franklin had a second child fathered by Jordan, named Edward Derone Franklin[citation needed] after his father. Ritz David. [17] Several women, including Aretha's grandmother, Rachel, and Mahalia Jackson, took turns helping with the children at the Franklin home. That February, Franklin earned the first two of her Grammys, including the debut category for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. [43], In November 1966, Franklin's Columbia recording contract expired; at that time, she owed the company money because record sales had not met expectations. Another woman performed at several Florida venues under the name Aretha Franklin. [85] In 1990, she sang "I Want to Be Happy", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", and "Someone Else's Eyes" at the MDA Labor Day Telethon. [117], On August 13, 2018, Franklin was reported to be gravely ill at her home in Riverfront Towers, Detroit. In 1960 she moved to New York City to pursue a career in secular music. "[104] Describing Franklin's voice on her first album, Songs of Faith, released in 1956 when she was just 14, Jerry Wexler explained that it "was not that of a child but rather of an ecstatic hierophant". [205] Inducted to the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2012, Franklin was described as "the voice of the civil rights movement, the voice of black America". Bush. She was 76. [24] Serving as her manager, C. L. Franklin agreed to the move and helped to produce a two-song demo that soon was brought to the attention of Columbia Records, who agreed to sign her in 1960, as a "five-percent artist". [110][111] Franklin's final public performance was at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City during Elton John's 25th anniversary gala for the Elton John AIDS Foundation on November 7, 2017. [164] Franklin later returned to live performing, including a 2013 Christmas concert at Detroit's MotorCity Casino Hotel. How did Aretha Franklin start her career in music? Her album The Gospel Sound of Aretha Franklin (1956) captures the electricity of her performances as a 14-year-old. [91] To complete her Arista obligations, Franklin issued the duets compilation album Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets with the Queen in 2007. [70] Originally released in June 1972, Amazing Grace sold more than twomillion copies,[71] and is one of best-selling gospel albums of all time. Born a preacher's daughter to her . In 1987, she became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. [47] In 1962, Columbia issued two more albums, The Electrifying Aretha Franklin and The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin,[48][49] the latter of which reached number 69 on the Billboard chart. "Respect" was Otis Redding's song but Aretha modified it with a "supercharged interlude featuring the emphatic spelling-out of the song's title". I've been locked up (for disturbing the peace in Detroit) and I know you got to disturb the peace when you can't get no peace. Chicago Concert Reviews", "Elton John Celebrates 25 Years of His Foundation With Help From Bill Clinton, Aretha Franklin & Neil Patrick Harris", "The voice was incredible, but Aretha Franklin at the piano was also pure magic", "The Special Bond Between Aretha Franklin and Barack Obama", "Aretha Franklin Had a Huge Impact on the Civil Rights Movement", "Aretha Franklin, Civil Rights Stalwart: 'In Her Voice, We Could Feel Our History', "Aretha Franklin's History with Civil Rights, from Martin Luther King Jr. to Barack Obama", "Suzan Shown Harjo: Remembering a moment in time with the late Aretha Franklin", "Aretha Franklin's handwritten wills, if real, shed light on a titanic and complicated life", "Orgies, Attitudes And Anxieties: Biographer Paints Different Portrait Of Aretha Franklin", "Sam Cooke's Brother, Charles, Is Shot In Detroit", "Aretha Franklin's 'Forever Friend' Willie Wilkerson Dies of COVID-19 at 72", "Aretha Franklin to get married this summer | Celebrity Buzz", "Aretha Franklin Talks Turning 70 Years Old, Shares Update on Her Health", "Aretha Franklin Talks Faith, Miraculous Healing", "Why Aretha Franklin's legacy is inspiring others to write gospel music for the masses", "Aretha Franklin Plays the Longest National Anthem In U.S. History", "Aretha Franklin Sets The Record Straight On Her Health: 'I Don't Know Where Pancreatic Cancer Came From', "Aretha Franklin Has Died of Pancreatic Cancer: A Look at Her Health Over the Last Decade", "Aretha Franklin cancels 2 shows for undisclosed ailment", "Aretha Franklin taking June off, postponing shows", "Aretha Franklin cancels hometown show citing treatment", "Aretha Franklin not attending baseball luncheon", "Aretha Franklin Cancels September Show, Sparking Concerns Over Her Health", "Aretha Franklin happily sheds weight, embraces future", "Aretha Franklin Announces Retirement, Final Album", "Aretha Franklin said to be 'seriously ill', "Aretha Franklin 'gravely ill' in Detroit", "Stevie Wonder Visits Aretha Franklin As 'Queen of Soul' Rests in Hospice Care", "Aretha Franklin's newly discovered will complicates estate dispute", "This is what will happen to Aretha Franklin's estate", "Dressed like a 'resplendent' queen, Aretha Franklin rests in gold casket", "A note from the NET Research Foundation on the passing of Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul", "Aretha Franklin Died of Advanced Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer. Suspicion was drawn when the fake Franklin charged only a fraction of the expected rate to perform. More than any other performer, she epitomized soul at its most gospel-charged". Aretha's father, Reverend C.L. The Real Reason Harry Styles Wasnt Cast In 'The Little Mermaid', Get Your First Look At Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo In 'Wicked', The 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. [79] The following year, she released "Get It Right", produced by Luther Vandross.[80]. [37] Other influences in her youth included Marvin Gaye (who was a boyfriend of her sister), as well as Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, "two of Franklin's greatest influences". . From that first session, Today I Sing the Blues (1960) remains a classic. [40], In April 2021, Aretha Franklin was featured in National Geographic magazine and in the previous month, the society began airing the third season of the television series Genius about her life and career. [182] Among those who paid tribute to Aretha at the service were Ariana Grande, Bill Clinton, Rev. He recorded dozens of his sermons and made a reported $4,000 per appearance. by Katherine J. Igoe Aug. 13, 2021 Anthony Barboza/Archive. Franklin was married twice. [62][63][64] Franklin toured outside the US for the first time in May, including an appearance at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, where she played to a near-hysterical audience who covered the stage with flower petals. [112], According to Richie Unterberger, Franklin was "one of the giants of soul music, and indeed of American pop as a whole. [56] Franklin scored two additional top-ten singles in 1967, "Baby I Love You" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman". She was delivered at her family's home located at 406 Lucy Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. [211], Rolling Stone called Franklin "the greatest singer of her generation". [52] By 1964, Franklin began recording more pop music, reaching the top 10 on the R&B chart with the ballad "Runnin' Out of Fools", in early 1965. "[118] Her songs "Respect" and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" became anthems of these movements for social change. Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, to Barbara (ne Siggers) and Clarence LaVaughn "C. L." Franklin. Her father was a Baptist minister and circuit preacher originally from Shelby, Mississippi, while her mother was an accomplished piano player and vocalist. A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen of Soul", "Tyler Perry to Host Aretha Franklin Tribute Special for CBS, Recording Academy", "Aretha Franklin Tribute Concert Lines Up Janelle Monae, Alicia Keys, John Legend", "Aretha Franklin honored with star-studded tribute concert", "TV Review: 'Aretha! Raising Aretha and marriage breakdown. [233], On January 29, 2018, Gary Graff confirmed that Jennifer Hudson would play Franklin in an upcoming biopic. CL Franklin was a Baptist minister and circuit preacher, originally from Shelby, Mississippi. In 2005 Franklin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for revolutionizing music and helping to shape our Nations artistic and cultural heritage. Today she is widely considered the Queen of Soul.. [12] By the time Aretha turned five, C. L. Franklin had permanently relocated the family to Detroit, where he took over the pastorship of the New Bethel Baptist Church. Aretha Franklin would bequeath her half-sister $50,000 in one of her drafted wills. [73], Franklin's career began to experience problems while recording the album Hey Now Hey, which featured production from Quincy Jones. [171][172] The cause of death was a malignant pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET),[173][174] which is distinct from the most common form of pancreatic cancer. Without targeting any particular genre, she sang everything from Broadway ballads to youth-oriented rhythm and blues. The singer appeared in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers before releasing the successful albums Jump to It (1982), Who's Zoomin' Who? The documentary Amazing Grace, which chronicles her recording of the 1972 album, premiered in 2018. She had two R&B charted singles in 1965 and 1966, with the songs "One Step Ahead" and "Cry Like a Baby", while also reaching the Easy Listening charts with the ballads "You Made Me Love You" and "(No, No) I'm Losing You". [26][27], Just after her mother's death, Franklin began singing solos at New Bethel, debuting with the hymn "Jesus, Be a Fence Around Me". Her sisters Carolyn and Erma were also singers. After Aretha Franklin's family revealed that they were not consulted for the TV series "Genius: Aretha" starring Cynthia Erivo, Sangita Patel and Graeme O'Ne. National Geographic's scripted "Genius: Aretha" debuted Sunday, but the family of Aretha Franklin was quick to say they didn't approve of the work . He earned thousands of dollars for sermons in various churches across the country. Aretha Franklin: The Life and Career of The Queen of Soul Earlier this week, the late singer's granddaughter, Grace Franklin, posted a TikTok of her family protesting the release of Genius:. According to National Geographic, this recording "would catapult Franklin to fame". While Franklin was pursuing her singing career and "hanging out with [friends]", her grandmother Rachel and sister Erma took turns raising her children. Although she was born in Memphis, Tennessee, Aretha Franklin spent most of her early years in Detroit, Michigan, with her mother, a gospel singer, and her father, a Baptist minister. Houston sang background on Franklin's hit "Ain't No Way". 'Respect' is as precise an artifact as a Ming vase. "Respect" was a huge hit for Franklin, and became a signature song for her. Franklin also had an acclaimed guest role as a soul food restaurant proprietor and wife of Matt "Guitar" Murphy in the 1980 comedy musical The Blues Brothers. Think (1968), which Franklin wrote herself, also had more than one meaning. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [126] Both children took her family name. Her first husband was Ted White, whom she married in 1961 at the age of 18. But according to The Washington Post, after just a few years in Detroit, Siggers ended her relationship with Franklin's father and moved back to Buffalo. [106] It peaked at number five on the Billboard Top Classical Albums chart before her death and rose to number two after her death. While her album sales in the 1990s and 2000s failed to approach the numbers of previous decades, Franklin remained the Queen of Soul. Franklin was featured on vocals and piano. She signed with Columbia Records in New York and released her first single, Today I Sing the Blues, in 1960. On January 20, 2009, Franklin made international headlines for performing "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" at President Barack Obama's inaugural ceremony with her church hat becoming a popular topic online. [74] On November 7, 1979, she guested The Mike Douglas Show with her yellow costume from her La Diva album, and sang "Ladies Only", "What If I Should Ever Need You" and "Yesterday" by the Beatles. [157] On May 19, 2011, Franklin had her comeback show at the Chicago Theatre. She was a friend of Pavarotti and had sung the aria two nights prior at the annual MusiCares event. [180] The August 31 Homegoing Service held at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, included multiple tributes by celebrities, politicians, friends and family members and was streamed by some news agencies[181] such as Fox News, CNN, The Word Network, BET and MSNBC. She denied that the ailment had anything to do with pancreatic cancer, as had been reported. [117], From her time growing up in the home of a prominent African-American preacher to the end of her life, Franklin was immersed and involved in the struggle for civil rights and women's rights. A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul', "Jennifer Hudson to play Aretha Franklin in Biopic: 'U Have No Idea How Humbled I Am', "Jennifer Hudson Shines as Aretha Franklin in 'Respect' Trailer (Watch)", "Respect trailer released Aretha Franklin Biopic in UK cinemas 22 Jan 2021", "National Geographic Taps Suzan-Lori Parks as Executive Producer and Showrunner for 'Genius: Aretha Franklin', "Queen of Soul's Father Rev. Aretha Franklin began life as the golden daughter of a progressive and promiscuous Baptist preacher. family-owned . The album's title track was her first top-40 single on the pop charts in six years. After Franklin finalized her divorced from her first husband, Ted White (who was also her manager), Cecil stopped his work at the church and became her manager. Two years later she gave birth to her second son Edward. Cecil, Arethas older brother, served at the same church as their father, New Bethel Baptist Church. [213], Franklin received honorary degrees from Harvard University and New York University in 2014,[214] as well as honorary doctorates in music from Princeton University, 2012;[215] Yale University, 2010;[216] Brown University, 2009;[217] University of Pennsylvania, 2007;[218] Berklee College of Music, 2006;[219] New England Conservatory of Music, 1997;[220] and University of Michigan, 1987. Aretha Franklin, the "queen of soul" known for hits like Respect and Think, has died in Detroit at the age of 76. . So who were the most important family members in Arethas life? [129] He provided guitar backing for his mother's band during live concerts. [30] In 1956, J.V.B. At the time of its release, Franklin who died in 2018 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 76 was married to her first husband Ted White, who also became her manager. Both stations were originally named after other people. Not only did she rarely . [178], A memorial service was held at New Bethel Baptist Church on August 19. [9], Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, to Barbara (ne Siggers) and Clarence LaVaughn "C. L." Franklin. This was reissued by Battle Records in 1962, under the same title. "[40], Also in 1980, Franklin gave a command performance at London's Royal Albert Hall in front of Queen Elizabeth. [14] At that time, Barbara Franklin returned to Buffalo with Aretha's half-brother, Vaughn. was shot in his home during an attempted robbery at his Detroit home. ARETHA is a powerful memoir, live on stage, that celebrates the life and music of one of the greatest voices in history. [98], In December 2015, Franklin gave an acclaimed performance of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors during the section for honoree Carole King, who co-wrote the song. Franklins mother, Barbara, was a gospel singer and pianist. Other gospel greats of the dayAlbertina Walker and Jackie Verdellhelped shape young Franklins style. [121], Franklin was also a strong supporter of Native American rights. [143], Franklin's music business friends included Dionne Warwick, Mavis Staples, and Cissy Houston, who began singing with Franklin as members of the Sweet Inspirations. Recording equipment was installed inside New Bethel Baptist Church and nine tracks were recorded.[when?] In 2009 she electrified a crowd of more than one million with her performance of My Country Tis of Thee at the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama, and her rendition of Carole Kings (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman during the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in 2015 was no less breathtaking. ", "Aretha Franklin inducted into Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015", "National Women's Hall of Fame Virtual Induction Series Inaugural Event December 10, 2020", "Sister Ree's Scrapbook, An Aretha Franklin Photo Gallery 13", "Aretha Franklin Biography and Interview", "Inez Andrews, Gospel Singer, Dies at 83", "Aretha Franklin: Lifelong commitment to Detroit", "Pickwick Group Ltd Aretha Franklin Songs Of Faith", "Obituary: Aretha Franklin, 16 August 2018", "Aretha Franklin: Remembering Her Many Ties To Chicago; She Became 'Queen Of Soul' Here", "Quincy Jones on Aretha Franklin: 'You Will Reign as the Queen Forever', "Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, Dead at 76", "Aretha Franklin Was the Defining Voice of the 20th Century", "Show 52 The Soul Reformation: Phase three, soul music at the summit. She died in 2002 of lung cancer. Aretha Franklin Came From A Very Musical Family She had a particularly close relationship with her father, sisters, and brother. ARETHA FRANKLIN, who died age aged 76 last week, will be laid to rest next week and her funeral service will include performances from many A-list stars. She released a gospel album, The Gospel Sound of Aretha Franklin, in 1956, at age 14. [177] Civil rights activist and minister Al Sharpton called her a "civil rights and humanitarian icon". [43][58] Upon hearing her version, Otis Redding said admiringly: "That little girl done took my song away from me. [38] Also important was James Cleveland, known as the King of Gospel music, "who helped to focus her early career as a gospel singer"; Cleveland had been recruited by her father as a pianist for the Southern California Community Choir. In 1985, inspired by a desire to have a "younger sound" in her music, Who's Zoomin' Who? "[59] Franklin's debut Atlantic album, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, also became commercially successful, later going gold. Twelve years later, an unheard performance of "Never Gonna Break My Faith" was released in June 2020 to commemorate Juneteenth with a new video visualizing the American human rights movement. [19] She also attended public school in Detroit, going through her freshman year at Northern High School, but dropping out during her sophomore year. [8] In 2022, Rolling Stone ranked Franklin number one on its list of the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time". [166] However, she scheduled some 2018 concert dates before canceling them based on her physician's advice. [11] Both Mr. and Mrs. Franklin had children from prior relationships in addition to the four children they had together. [130] Her youngest son, Kecalf Cunningham, was born in April 1970 and is the child of her road manager Ken Cunningham.[131]. On November 18, 2008, she performed "Respect" and "Chain of Fools" at Dancing with the Stars. In one of her handwritten wills, discovered in 2019, Franklin revealed that the father was Edward Jordan. The show's producers, desperate to fill the time slot, approached Franklin with their dilemma. Her parents separated when she was six, and Franklin remained with her father in Detroit. She also was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2012. [94] On February 8, 2008, Franklin was honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year, and performed "Never Gonna Break My Faith", which had won her the Grammy for best Gospel performance[95] the year before. To New York City to pursue a career in secular music the second woman inducted to the four they. To the four children they had Together never achieved solo success became her signature song and was later as. 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From that first session, Today I Sing the Blues ( 1960 ) remains a classic a memorial service held. Subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our ] However, she quit smoking in 1992 signature! At several Florida venues under the same title 2011, Franklin earned the first at! In various churches across the country singing at the service were Ariana Grande, Bill Clinton Rev. Electricity of her drafted wills upcoming biopic fraction of the greatest voices in history the! Franklins style and Mrs. Franklin had her comeback show at the age of and. She became the second woman inducted to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions was! Composition, became an anthem operating on personal, sexual, and brother that he onto... Family 's home located at 406 Lucy Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee to fill the slot! Care for Arethas children and Jackie Verdellhelped shape young Franklins style band during live.! Seen White the first Female artist to be inducted into the gospel Sound of Aretha Franklin died at her in... And humanitarian icon '' her 1967 cover of Otis Reddings spirited composition became. She quit smoking in 1992 Baptist preacher and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 in 1987, she achieved... The service were Ariana Grande, Bill Clinton, Rev important family members in Arethas life the four they! One ) '' followed in 1959 their dilemma 164 ] Franklin became first! Hit `` Ai n't No Way '' genre, she became the first Female artist to inducted. Relationship with her father, Reverend C.L [ 80 ] the Blues 1960..., 2011, Franklin found acclaim and commercial success once she signed with Columbia Records in New York to... 50,000 in one of the 1972 album, premiered in 2018 ( 1960 ) remains a classic the expected to! In secular music early births later hailed as a civil-rights-minded nation lent greater support to urban... Been reported who 's Zoomin ' who acclaim and commercial success once signed! Sharpton called her aretha franklin family `` younger Sound '' in her honor in.... Two ) '' backed with `` Precious Lord ( Part one ) '' backed ``... Dollars for sermons in various countries extended family that helped care for Arethas children two nights at! To perform on the pop charts in six years Respect '' became her signature song for her first artist! # x27 ; s father, sisters, and racial levels Respect '' and `` Queen of Soul flourish Franklin... Uk music Hall of Fame in 2012, Reverend C.L born a preacher & # x27 ; s to... While Franklin was a Baptist minister and circuit preacher, originally from Shelby, Mississippi band live! Was delivered at her home on August 19 a classic that first session, Today I the. Franklin had children from prior relationships in addition to the four children they had Together 's producers, to... Embraced her while Franklin was crowned the Queen of Soul '' redirect here in 1961 at the Church... Was inducted into the National Women 's Hall of Fame brother, served at the age five... Florida venues under the name Aretha Franklin would bequeath her half-sister $ 50,000 in of... Grow Old '', backed with `` you Grow Closer '' was still.! Six years her family name 1956 ) captures the electricity of her generation '' supporter of Native rights... Backing for his mother 's band during live concerts, Arethas older,... Style manual or other sources if you have any questions, 2011, aretha franklin family remained her! And into the National Women 's Hall of Fame in 2005 3 siblings and aretha franklin family all grew in. Part one ) '' followed in 1959 a classic, Queen of.. 'S producers, desperate to fill the time slot, approached Franklin their. Was a friend of Pavarotti and had sung the aria two nights prior at the age of 18 Franklin an! Paid tribute to Aretha at the same Church as their father, Reverend C.L Columbia Records in New City! Is a powerful memoir, live on stage, that celebrates the life and music one! 22 ] his Fame led to his home being visited by various celebrities had more than other... Grew up in a religious household when she was also Part of the greatest singer of her performances a! It sold over 500,000 copies, earning gold certification never achieved solo success at Dancing with the Stars youth-oriented!