Aretha Franklin – Doyle’s Space: Music Hall of Fame

My 4th inductee of 2024, the 23rd overall.

Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Her powerful voice and profound impact on the music industry have left an indelible mark on generations. Here’s an in-depth look at her life, career, and achievements. Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Barbara Siggers Franklin and C.L. Franklin[1].

Her father was a prominent Baptist minister, and her mother was a gospel singer and pianist. When Aretha was five, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where her father became the pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church. Aretha’s parents separated when she was six, and her mother passed away when she was ten, leaving her in the care of her father and grandmother. Aretha showed a keen interest in music from a young age,

learning to play the piano by ear and singing in her father’s church. Her father recognized her talent and started managing her career, taking her on gospel tours across the country. She dropped out of high school during her sophomore year, focusing entirely on her burgeoning music career.

Her vocal range was said to be approximately between G2 and E6, and she had a mostly mezzo-soprano voice.

Franklin was a self-taught musician who learned to play the piano by ear and couldn’t read music. Considering her accomplishments and adulation as a performer, being an autodidact didn’t hold her back — but as she grew older, she developed the goal of someday studying piano at Juilliard. In 2003, when asked what her biggest regret was, she said not learning to read music.

In 1985, the Department of Natural Resources of the state of Michigan officially declared Franklin’s voice a “natural resource of the state.”

Franklin’s path to a professional singing career began in the gospel genre. In 1956, at the age of 14, she recorded her first album, “Songs of Faith,” which included gospel classics such as “Precious Lord (Take My Hand)” and “You Grow Closer.” However, she aspired to cross over into secular music. In 1960, at 18,

Franklin moved to New York City and signed with Columbia Records. Although her early recordings with Columbia were more jazz and pop-oriented, she didn’t achieve major commercial success. It wasn’t until she signed with Atlantic Records in 1966 that her career skyrocketed. Under the guidance of producer Jerry Wexler[2],

Franklin embraced her gospel roots, and her music took on a more soulful and emotional depth. Franklin’s breakthrough came with her 1967 album, “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You,” featuring hits like “Respect,” which became her signature song and an anthem for the civil rights and feminist movements.

The song, originally written and recorded by Otis Redding, was transformed by Franklin into a powerful declaration of independence and self-respect. She followed this success with a series of hit albums and singles, including “Think,” “Chain of Fools,” “A Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like),” and “I Say a Little Prayer.”

Aretha Franklin achieved an impressive number of number one R&B singles throughout her career. Here is the complete list of her 20 number one R&B singles:
  • “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” (1967)
  • “Respect” (1967)
  • “Baby I Love You” (1967)
  • “Chain of Fools” (1967)
  • “(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone” (1968)
  • “Think” (1968)
  • “Share Your Love with Me” (1969)
  • “Call Me” (1970)
  • “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” (1970)
  • “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1971)
  • “Spanish Harlem” (1971)
  • “Day Dreaming” (1972)
  • “Angel” (1973)
  • “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” (1974)
  • “I’m in Love” (1974)
  • “Something He Can Feel” (1976)
  • “Break It to Me Gently” (1977)
  • “Jump to It” (1982)
  • “Get It Right” (1983)
  • “Freeway of Love” (1985)

She recorded for J-V-B, an R&B and gospel label founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1947 by Joe Von Battle, Columbia, Atlantic, and Arista records. Franklin’s unique blend of gospel, soul, and R&B, combined with her emotive delivery and technical prowess, cemented her status as a music legend.

She appeared in “The Blues Brothers” movie, in 1980, and sang her song “Think” as the Soul Food Cafe Owner. Aretha has sold more than 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling R&B female artists of all time. “Amazing Grace” remains the biggest-selling live gospel album of all time, being certified 2× Platinum in the US.

Aretha Franklin released 38 studio albums over her six-decade career. Here is a complete list:
  • Songs of Faith (1956)
  • Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo (1961)
  • The Electrifying Aretha Franklin (1962)
  • The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin (1962)
  • Laughing on the Outside (1963)
  • Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington (1964)
  • Runnin’ Out of Fools (1965)
  • Yeah!!! (1965)
  • Soul Sister (1966)
  • Take It Like You Give It (1967)
  • I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967)
  • Aretha Arrives (1967)
  • Lady Soul (1968)
  • Aretha Now (1968)
  • Soul ’69 (1969)
  • This Girl’s in Love with You (1970)
  • Spirit in the Dark (1970)
  • Aretha Live at Fillmore West (1971)
  • Young, Gifted and Black (1972)
  • Amazing Grace (1972)
  • Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky) (1973)
  • Let Me in Your Life (1974)
  • With Everything I Feel in Me (1974)
  • You (1975)
  • Sparkle (1976)
  • Sweet Passion (1977)
  • Almighty Fire (1978)
  • La Diva (1979)
  • Aretha (1980)
  • Love All the Hurt Away (1981)
  • Jump to It (1982)
  • Get It Right (1983)
  • Who’s Zoomin’ Who? (1985)
  • Aretha (1986)
  • Through the Storm (1989)
  • What You See Is What You Sweat (1991)
  • A Rose Is Still a Rose (1998)
  • So Damn Happy (2003)

Franklin was influenced by a wide array of musical genres and artists. Gospel music was her foundation, influenced by Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward. She also drew inspiration from jazz legends like Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday. Her music often incorporated elements of blues, pop, and rock, making her a versatile and influential artist.

Aretha Franklin received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She won 18 Grammy Awards, including the first eight awards given for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. She was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In addition, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 and was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation in 2019.

Aretha Franklin passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 76, in Detroit, Michigan. The cause of death was advanced pancreatic cancer, specifically a neuroendocrine tumor[3]. Franklin’s death marked the end of a legendary career that spanned over six decades.

“Respect: The Aretha Franklin Movie,” released in 2021, is a biographical musical drama that chronicles the life and career of Aretha Franklin, the legendary “Queen of Soul.” Directed by Liesl Tommy and written by Tracey Scott Wilson, the film stars Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin, a role for which Franklin herself handpicked Hudson before her passing. The movie explores Franklin’s journey from her early days singing in her father’s church to becoming an iconic music figure, highlighting her struggles and triumphs, both personal and professional. The film also features performances by Forest Whitaker as Franklin’s father, C.L. Franklin, and Marlon Wayans as her first husband, Ted White. “Respect” received praise for Hudson’s powerful performance and its faithful representation of Franklin’s extraordinary life and legacy.

She was survived by her four sons: Clarence Franklin, Edward Franklin, Ted White Jr., and Kecalf Cunningham, as well as several grandchildren. Her passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow musicians, and public figures worldwide, honoring her profound impact on music and culture. The childrens book, “Little People, Big Dreams: Aretha Franklin”[4] was written by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Amy Blackwell.

Footnotes
  1. C.L. Franklin, born Clarence LaVaughn Franklin on January 22, 1915, in Sunflower County, Mississippi, was a prominent Baptist minister and civil rights activist, widely known as the father of Aretha Franklin. Renowned for his charismatic preaching style and powerful sermons, Franklin served as the pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, from 1946 until 1979. His recorded sermons, such as “The Eagle Stirreth Her Nest,” gained national acclaim, and he was often referred to as the “Million-Dollar Voice.” Franklin was also deeply involved in the civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Tragically, he was shot during a home invasion in 1979 and remained in a coma for five years until his death on July 27, 1984. His legacy lives on through his contributions to both religious life and social justice. [Back]
  2. Jerry Wexler, born January 10, 1917, in New York City, was a pioneering music producer and influential figure in the development of rhythm and blues and soul music. Initially a journalist, Wexler coined the term “rhythm and blues” while working at Billboard magazine. He joined Atlantic Records in 1953, where he played a crucial role in shaping the careers of legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Dusty Springfield. Wexler’s keen ear for talent and innovative production techniques helped transform Atlantic into a powerhouse label. His collaboration with Aretha Franklin, particularly on hits like “Respect” and “Chain of Fools,” solidified her status as the Queen of Soul. Wexler’s legacy includes numerous Grammy Awards and his 1987 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He passed away on August 15, 2008, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. [Back]
  3. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), also known as islet cell tumors, are a rare type of cancer that originates from the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas. Unlike the more common pancreatic adenocarcinoma, pancreatic NETs grow more slowly and can sometimes produce excess hormones, leading to various symptoms depending on the hormone involved. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, jaundice, diarrhea, and significant weight loss. Diagnosis often involves imaging tests, blood tests for hormone levels, and biopsy. Treatment options vary based on the tumor’s size and spread and may include surgery, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiotherapy. Early detection and treatment are critical, as the prognosis can vary widely depending on the tumor’s aggressiveness and stage at diagnosis. [Back]
  4. “Little People, Big Dreams: Aretha Franklin” is a children’s book written by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Amy Blackwell. Part of the “Little People, Big Dreams” series, this book introduces young readers to the life and legacy of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. It recounts Franklin’s journey from singing in her father’s church as a young girl to becoming an influential figure in music history and a symbol of strength and empowerment. Through vibrant illustrations and simple, engaging text, the book highlights her challenges, achievements, and the powerful impact of her music and activism. This inspirational biography aims to inspire children to follow their dreams and recognize their own potential for greatness. [Back]
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Author: Doyle

I was born in Atlanta, moved to Alpharetta at 4, lived there for 53 years and moved to Decatur in 2016. I've worked at such places as Richway, North Fulton Medical Center, Management Science America (Computer Tech/Project Manager) and Stacy's Compounding Pharmacy (Pharmacy Tech).

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