The definitive female soul singer of the 1960s, a symbol of black pride, and one of the most influential voices in the history of popular music, Aretha Franklin brought “black” music to an entirely new audience.
Aretha grew up in Detroit where her father was pastor at the New Bethel Baptist Church. She recorded her first album of gospel music at age 14. At 18, legendary talent scout John Hammond brought her to Columbia Records, “Columbia was a white company who misunderstood her genius.”
In 1966, Aretha moves to Atlantic Records and immediately hits her stride, producing a phenomenal body of work. “When I went to Atlantic,” she said, “they just sat me down at the piano and the hits started coming.”
“Respect”, her trademark song written by singer Otis Redding, is an instant hit in 1967, becoming an anthem for both racial pride and women’s rights. Within three years, she has eight crossover hits that reach the Top 10 in both Pop and R&B charts, including “Chain of Fools”, “Think”, and “A Natural Woman”.
On April 9, 1968, she sang “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” at the funeral service of her friend Martin Luther King Jr. A few months later she appears on the cover of TIME, in an article suggesting her husband/manager is abusive. A lawsuit was filed over the article, and her marriage subsequently ended in divorce. After this, she rarely talks to the media.
In 1987, at age 45, Aretha is the first woman inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, having charted more records selling over a million copies than any woman in history.
Appropriate self titled reigning "Queen" referring to distinctive voice never emulated!
ReplyDeleteAretha a diamond treasure no doubt those remember unique style mention 20th century. Artistic allure no other Queen of Soul beyond the renowned popular conjured imagery. Aretha never convey holy image assumed due: popularity prior with Gospel music reverted
ReplyDelete"Daddy Franklin". Mention ill relationships Ted White (1931-2020) married Aretha unaware of his hidden antics? Prostitution also Daddy Franklin alleged narcotics connections whom, investigating CIA,SENISIN and FBI. Assume since Daddy Franklin avowed "Civil rights advocate trying to frame him, Aretha disputed the allegations. During reign as Queen of Atlantic records dominate productions didn't appreciate emerging artist whom? Margie Joseph,Jackie Moore (1946-2019) and Gwen McCrae (1943-2025) 70's remembered due diversity of talent along labels. Aretha career somewhat a challenge due" funk and disco yes true Chic suggested titles. Never recorded marriage to Glen Turman 1978-1984 a charade eventually Aretha found out Glen was bisexual! Daddy Franklin assaulted 1979 along Rosa Parks (1913-2005) lack of appreciation social respect which nonsense. Propaganda criminals don't see social merit anyhow, Aretha endure pain admiration dedication continue. Her artistry Sparkle (1976) with Irene Carre (1951-2022) actual birth date politics. Aretha gotten popularity tunes Atlantic records cancelled soundtrack. Franklin family essential especially Carolyn (1944-1988) excellent singer own right. RCA records disfavored her affiliation with Aretha backup singer. Aretha has excellent discography I recommend Rare and Golden Unrelease (2007), Sweet Passion (1977), With Everything I Feel in Me and Hey Now Hey (Another side of Sky) horrible art images. Only 1 Queen name sake never emulated the estate continues promote the legacy of Aretha.
Mention the extensive discography of "Aretha" unfortunately, audience has only. Fraction due era' 60's,70's and 80's ordeal Aretha was "Pop" yes derived from Memphis soul just popularity format. Actually 1974 was transition of new "Pop R & B" introduction of The Queen many forgotten. Wasn't luck numerous producers whom provided road to success getting heard of the radio. Dinah Washington (1924- 1963) admired [versatility] of Aretha" voice also envy aware Dinah passing her mother sold. Her rights names sack the estate
ReplyDeletedoesn't receive royalties "Leonard Reed (1907-2004) helped established Aretha and Dinah careers never mention along Willie Bryant (1908-1964)! Steely Dan ridiculed "Aretha" with
mockery "Hey Nineteen lyrical content Don't remember Queen of Soul. Well during 80's she regain her acclaim with consecutive hits, duet with Whitney It Isn't, It Wasn't, It Ain't Gonna Be (1989). Moderate hit due dispute upon whom diva or reigning Queen making producers scream in the studio's due. Egoism of both artist notice wasn't photo Whitney refuse part of photo session. Criticism negative for Aretha felt trying attempt to appease the teen audience. Duet with Annie Lennox Sisters Are Doing for Themselves (1985) moderate
rock or soul and dance. Annie could handle her own rendition of soulful singing decide
tone down her octave. To appease "Aretha" equivalent Annie debut with Al Green Put A little love in your heart (1988). Rock A lot listen to acapella version well is exaggerated screaming nature it's Queen of Soul. Always my favorite singer never forget her talent