Aretha Franklin was one of the most influential and iconic artists of the 20th century. She had a tremendous impact on the music industry and pop culture.
She regularly used her platform to fight for civil and women’s rights. You don’t receive a title like the Queen of Soul without doing something special.
Today, we’re diving into her story and giving Franklin the R-E-S-P-E-C-T she deserves.
Let’s get to it!
The Story of Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 5, 1942. Her father served the community as a minister, and both parents were gifted gospel singers. As a result, she often rubbed elbows with legends like Nat King Cole and Art Tatum.
The Queen fell in love with music at a young age and began taking piano lessons. Her natural talent shined, and she got bored with the instruction and taught herself to play by ear instead.
At nine or ten years old, the future sensation walked on stage to sing a solo. It wasn’t long before a traveling gospel show invited her to join. At 16, she recorded several live tracks and eventually moved to New York City.
Her most famous song, Respect, hit the charts in 1967. After seeing the response from listeners, Pervis Spann, a Chicago disc jockey, gave the artist a nickname that would stick and dubbed her the Queen of Soul.
Despite incredible success, the star’s personal life was somewhat chaotic. It included multiple divorces and the tragic loss of her father. That didn’t stop this determined musician from racking up 20 number-one hits and winning 18 Grammy Awards.
Some notable accomplishments include receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. In addition, she became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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Aretha Franklin’s Best Known Songs
During her lustrous career, Aretha Franklin recorded more than 100 singles. There’s a good chance you’ve heard at least one of these hits.
Respect
Respect was initially written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. However, shortly after Redding died in 1967, Franklin covered the track and launched her career to a new level. It features an infectious sound with a lively horn section during the bridge.
The high-energy and powerhouse vocals were a call to action amongst women. This resulted in ladies demanding equality and recognition for their efforts. You can feel the fiery attitude and passion in each lyric.
Think
Think is a track written with help from an ex-husband and former manager, Teddy White. It was released on May 2, 1968, and was the artist’s sixth #1 hit.
While starting with a piano intro, the energy accelerates with drums and light guitar, driving the rhythm. The lyrics are another reminder of Franklin’s desire to empower others and encourage individuality.
It motivates you to think about your actions and the consequences of your decisions. Levi’s used it during the 2018 midterm elections to encourage Americans to get out and vote.
(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman
In (You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman, Aretha Franklin slows things down and takes listeners on an emotional journey. It’s a chance to showcase her vocal range and natural talent. It was written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin and released on the 1967 album Lady Soul.
This unique song contains Aretha’s two talented sisters, Erma and Carolyn. While artists like Rod Stewart, Celine Dion, and Mary J Blige have covered it, none have dethroned the Queen of Soul’s version.
Why Was Aretha Franklin Considered the Queen of Soul?
Aretha Franklin took her throne in 1967. As we mentioned, Pervis Spann gave her the nickname for her vocal talents and impact on pop culture. He placed a crown on her head and marked the superstar as royalty.
When you listen to her songs, you sense pure magic. The power that comes from her range is out of this world. Her voice conveys emotion unlike any other, as it combines assertive messages with moving melodies.
While she impacted the industry, Franklin also influenced civil rights and feminist movements. Using her gifts to encourage and motivate others made her even more beloved by fans.
When you hear all that she accomplished, it’s easy to understand why so many willingly crowned her the Queen of Soul. She was more than a singer who created hit albums. The star found a way to leave a mark on society and secure a legacy as royalty.
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What Happened to Aretha Franklin?
Aretha disappeared from the limelight in 2010 after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis went public. Support began pouring in from all over the world from fans and fellow artists.
This answered why the star had canceled multiple shows and appearances.
Sadly, Aretha Franklin passed away on August 16, 2018, in Detroit, Michigan. Her death marked the end of one of the most remarkable careers in history. We may never experience another voice as powerful and genuine as hers.
Franklin’s funeral was fit for a queen. The event lasted over seven hours at Greater Grace Temple. It included performances, family reflections, and tributes from Smokey Robinson, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and former President Bill Clinton. Attendees included Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Tyler Perry, and thousands more.
Today, her legacy lives on through music. A couple of songs, Respect and I Say a Little Prayer, have over a billion plays combined. Additionally, the artist has more than 11 million monthly listeners. It seems her seat on the throne is safe.
Why Was There Controversy Over Aretha Franklin’s Estate?
After Aretha Franklin’s passing, it took nearly four years and an intense legal battle to close her estate. The drama ensued because she had no official will or instructions for what to do with her money and property.
However, eight months after her death, the family found multiple handwritten wills. One was in a spiral notebook found under the cushions of a sofa. Three of her four sons battled it out in court over the estate.
Despite these documents, the icon didn’t make it easy on her family. Crossed-out names and the fact that they found multiple versions didn’t help. Further, early drafts required two sons to take business classes to receive portions of the estate. On the other hand, later editions didn’t mention the requirement.
The trial over the estate lasted only two days. When both sides had finished pleading their cases, a six-person jury took less than one hour to decide. They found that the four pages in that spiral notebook were enough to serve as the official will.
Get the best: Aretha Franklin – 30 Greatest Hits
The Queen of Soul Reigns Supreme
Aretha Franklin was a special person that the world will miss dearly. Luckily, her powerful voice lives on today on the radio and through streaming services. While she may have demanded respect, many willingly gave it.
The next time you hear one of her songs, take time to reflect on the incredible influence she had. All hail the queen!
We’d love to hear your favorite Aretha song. Let us know in the comments!