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Aretha Franklin Biography (1942–2018)

Aretha Franklin Biography (1942–2018)

Dea. Ron Gray Sr. · Monday, March 28th 2022 at 12:10PM · 495 views
Aretha Franklin Biography (1942–2018)

Multiple Grammy winner and "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin was known for such hits as "Respect," "Freeway of Love" and "I Say a Little Prayer."

Who Was Aretha Franklin?

A gifted singer and pianist, Aretha Franklin toured with her father's traveling revival show and later visited New York, where she signed with Columbia Records. Franklin went on to release several popular singles, many of which are now considered classics. In 1987 she became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2008 she won her 18th Grammy Award, making her one of the most honored artists in Grammy history.

Early Life and Career

The fourth of five children, Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Baptist preacher Reverend Clarence La Vaughan "C. L." Franklin and Barbara Siggers Franklin, a gospel singer.

Franklin's parents separated by the time she was six, and four years later her mother succumbed to a heart attack. Guided by C. L.'s preaching assignments, the family relocated to Detroit, Michigan. C. L. eventually landed at New Bethel Baptist Church, where he gained national renown as a preacher.

Franklin's musical gifts became apparent at an early age. Largely self-taught, she was regarded as a child prodigy. A gifted pianist with a powerful voice, Franklin got her start singing in front of her father's congregation.

Aretha Franklin Biography (1942–2018) https://www.biography.com/musician/aretha-...

As National Women's History Month Continues.

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Dea. Ron Gray Sr. Monday, March 28th 2022 at 12:13PM

QUICK FACTS

Aretha Franklin
March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018

Aretha Franklin became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Aretha Franklin is one of the most honored artists in Grammy Award history, winning her 18th honor in 2008.

Memphis Tennessee, Detroit Michigan

Aretha Louise Franklin

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