This a story, I came across through a post on Goalcast about why you should remember Aretha Franklin. Her story is really inspiring one. Despite the hardship, she encountered throughout her life. She became the Queen of Soul. I was so much impressed by her story that it came to me as an immediate urge to share it with you.
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So, Why you should remember Aretha Franklin?
Aretha was born in Memphis in 1942. Her mother left when she was only 6. Four years later, she died of a heart attack. Aretha’s father was a Baptist preacher, known as the man with “Million Dollar Voice”. Aretha inherited his gift.
I sing to the realist. People who accept it like it is.
She was also a self-taught pianist. She began touring when she was only 14. In 1967 she released her first hit RESPECT.
Aretha was then a mother of three and a victim of domestic abuse. She recorded the song as a cri de coeur.
We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It’s our basic human right.
The following year, she performed at Dr. Martin Luther king’s funeral. When questioned on her weight, Aretha always responded with confidence and humor.
Who hasn’t had a weight issue? If not the body certainly the big head!
A high school dropout, Aretha received 12 honorary degrees. She has performed at 3 presidential inaugurations.
Aretha was the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She held 44 Grammy nominations and 18 wins, making her one of the most honored artists in history.
Most of all, the Queen of Soul remains a symbol of empowerment for past generations, and those yet to come…
Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift.
Aretha Franklin (1942 – 2018).
Franklin performing My Country Tis of Thee during the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009.
Some of the questions people ask and want to know about Aretha Franklin:
What is Aretha Franklin Known for?
Aretha Franklin was an American singer, Pianist, songwriter, and Civil Right Activist. She gained most of her name after 1966 and began to be known for her hit songs such as “Respect”, “Chain of Fools”, “Think”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)”, and “I Say a Little Prayer”, propelled her past her musical peers. By the end of the decade, She gained the title of “Queen of Soul”.
What is Aretha Franklin Famous for?
Aretha Franklin is famous for her hit songs, which came after she starts recording with Atlantic records in 1966. The songs include “Respect”, “Think”, “(you make me feel like) A Natural Woman, “Chain of Fools”, “I never loved a Man (the Way I love you). and “I say a little Prayer”.
What was Aretha Franklin’s first song?
Aretha Franklin’s father helped her sign her first recording deal with J.V. B. Records, for which, all the recording equipment were installed inside the New Bethel Baptist Church. In 1956, J.V.B. Records released Aretha Franklin’s first song, “Never Grow Old” backed with a series of singles in 1956 album, Spirituals. Here is a list of all on Wikipedia page about Aretha Franklin’s Beginning (1952-1960). In 1965, Checker Records released the album – Songs of Faith, featuring all the five tracks from 1956 Spirituals Album, with the addition of four previously unreleased recordings.
Who inspired Aretha Franklin?
To be specific, she was Clara Ward, who actually inspired Aretha to pursue her interest in singing. Aretha’s father C.L. Franklin, himself was as “A Man with Million Dollar Voice” and was also good friends with gospel singer turned pop star, Sam Cooke. And her aunt, Clara ward, inspired her to follow her passion. With a surrounding filled with musical talent, she knew Aretha can do it. She joined the church choir and the journey began.
When did Aretha Franklin start singing?
Aretha Franklin Start singing from an early age but inspired by her Aunt, Clara Ward, to follow her interest in singing. She joined the church choir and at the young age of 12 years, she earned her position as a featured soloist. Between the ages of 14 to 18, she explored only her interest in gospel music. This was the time when Aretha discovered herself and explore her inner soul.
Did Aretha Franklin have any brothers or sisters?
Aretha franklin were six siblings. Two brothers and four sisters. They were Rev. Cecil Franklin (Brother), Vaughn Franklin (Brother), Erma Franklin (Sister), Carolyn Franklin (Sister), Carl Ellen Kelley (Sister).
Is Erma Franklin the sister of Aretha Franklin?
The clear answer is Yes. Erma Vernice Franklin is the elder sister of Aretha Louise Franklin. Though her career always overshadowed by her younger sister and she died at the age of 64 with not much fortune as her younger sister Aretha.
Does Aretha Franklin have a daughter?
The answer is No. Aretha Franklin had four sons and no daughter. Her sons are Clarence Franklin, the eldest one. Edward Franklin, Teddy Richards, and Kecalf Cunningham
Who is the father of Aretha Franklin’s Son?
Aretha was the mother of four sons. The eldest one born to her, when Franklin was just 12 years old and the father of Clarence was believed and reported to be “Donald Burk, a boy she knew from school” but later, however, in one of her handwritten wills discovered in 2019, Aretha revealed the father was Edward Jordan. Source: nbcnews.com
At the age of 14, she gave birth to her second child and named him Edward after his father’s name Edward Jordan.
In February 1964, The third child, named Teddy Richards was born to Aretha and her then-husband Theodore “Ted” White.
Her youngest child, Kecalf Cunningham was born to her road manager Ken Cunningham in 1970.
How old is Aretha Franklin oldest son?
The oldest son of Aretha Franklin is Clarence Franklin and his age is 64 years in 2019 and was born on 28 January 1955. Click here to check his and his sibling’s age this year. The other three sons ages are:
- Edward Franklin, 62 (22 January 1957),
- Teddy Richards, 55 (February 1964),
- Kecalf Cunningham, 49 (28 March 1970).
What did Aretha Franklin die of?
Aretha Franklin died of Pancreatic Cancer at the age of 76 years on 16, August 2018.