Aretha Franklin

Birth Name:

Aretha Louise Franklin

Birth Place:

Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Profession

Soundtrack, Actress, Producer, Music department

As of 2008, she has won 18 Grammy Awards and is one of the most honored artists in the show's history
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
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․"

Fast Facts