Celebrating Aretha Franklin and her many achievements as "The Queen of Soul"
This Women's History Month, we're paying homage to one of the greats, Aretha Franklin. Aretha has given us many soul classics such as "Respect" and "I Say A Little Prayer." She's proven herself as an incredibly talented singer and pianist through her powerful and soulful energy. She's played an important role in not only music history, but also women's history.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1942, Aretha had talent from a very early age.
Being mostly self-taught, Franklin began singing at a very young age. She was considered a child prodigy and performed for her father's congregation.
At just fourteen, Aretha began recorded tracks in her father's church. This is where some of her earliest songs were recorded, later featured on the album Songs Of Faith in 1956.
Franklin rose to fame in 1967 and 1968 after the release of her album I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You.) After several hit-singles, Aretha was topping the charts with songs like "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and "Think."
Embed from Getty Images
The Queen of Soul is born.
Aretha Franklin earned the title as "The Queen of Soul" after dominating the charts. She became an icon of music, particularly in R&B. She also played an important role during the Civil Rights Movement, serving as an image of black empowerment.
The first woman to be inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.
Aretha Franklin has made many strides in women's history. Among many of these achievements is her induction into the most exclusive and prestigious music collections. In 1987, Aretha Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.
Franklin has been honored in many other ways throughout her career. She performed at Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral and at the Democratic National Convention, all in the same year. She even has sung at Jimmy Carter's and Barack Obama's Inauguration.
Aretha Franklin has collaborated with other great artists such as Stevie Wonder, George Michael and Eric Clapton. She has won over 18 Grammy's, making her one of the most honored artists in music history.
Aretha Franklin is a classic with her soulful energy, powerful voice and undying spirit. These and many more of her achievements are what carries on her legacy. Aretha is forever a legend in music history and women's history.