Aretha Louise Franklin was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. She was known as the “Queen of Soul”. Aretha Franklin released 112 charted singles and is the most charted female artist in history. She has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the biggest-selling music artists of all time.
Aretha Franklin’s Music:
- 1967- I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Loved You)- Her first ever single.
- 1967- (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman- Many of Aretha’s songs are about the suffering and unhappiness inside relationships but this one was all about rejoicing in the beauty of love.
- 1967- Respect- Originally written by Otis Reading in 1985, Aretha went on to make this her own and possibly her most recognised song.
- 1968- Say a Little Prayer- Cover version of the original which became one
of her most famous songs. It is about a women’s concern for someone who has gone to the Vietnam War. - 1968- Think- A song about female and ethnic empowerment.
- 1972- Amazing Grace- Aretha releases a live gospel album, selling over 2 million copies.
Interesting Facts about Aretha Franklin!
- Aretha Franklin is not a fan of flying. After in-flight turbulence during one of her
flights in 1982, she decided she’d stop flying altogether. - She was the first women to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- She also received a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Listen to some of Aretha Franklin’s Music!
