Aretha Franklin Biography

Fast Facts

• Had her first number one hit on the R&B and pop charts with "Respect" in 1967, which was a cover of an Otis Redding song
• As of 2008, she has won 18 Grammy Awards and is one of the most honored artists in the show's history
• In 1987, she became the first female singer to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• First began performing at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, where her father was a reverend, and also performed with his traveling revival show
• Her first hit song was "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)," which she recorded with Atlantic Records at the Florence Alabama Musical Emporium
• Recorded her first songs at her father's church at the age of 14
• Quote: "Being a singer is a natural gift․ It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use․ I'm happy with that․"
• Best known as a singer and musician often referred to as the "Queen of Soul" who released the hit songs "Respect," Freeway of Love," and "I Say a Little Prayer․"
• Had a cameo role in the 1980 film "The Blues Brothers․"
• Was asked to perform at the funeral for Dr․ Martin Luther King, Jr․ in 1968, where she sang "Precious Lord․"