|
Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul
by Erika Cox
Aretha Franklin is the undeniable Queen of Soul. She remains one of the
most prominent and important figures in rock and roll music.
Her music
career has span almost 40 years. Although she is known for her soul/R&B
music, she has contributed and sang gospel, jazz, rock, blues, pop, and
even opera music.
She is often noted as one of the best singers in the music industry.
Franklin was born on March 25, 1942 in Memphis.
Her family eventually
moved to Detroit when Aretha was a young girl. Along with her two
sisters, Aretha sang at her father’s church.
Her father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin, was a very prominent person and
popular preacher with one of the largest churches in Detroit. Franklin
recorded for the first time with Columbia Records at the age of 14. Her
gospel background helped give her the emotional edge she displays when
singing.
Aretha eventually signed with Atlantic Records in 1967 where her career
took off. Along with producers, Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin, and
Aretha’s singing, some of the most popular and influential music of the
1960’s was created.
She also recorded top producer, Burt Bacarah’s song
“Say a little prayer”, which hit number four in 1968.
By the late
1960’s, Aretha had been dubbed the “Queen of Soul.” She released a
string of Top Ten hits, not only from her own music but with versions of
other groups’ songs as well. From 1968 to 1975, she won eight awards in
the category of the “Best Female Performance” of the Grammy Awards.
After leaving Atlantic Records in the mid-70’s, Aretha’s popularity
slowed down a little bit between the late 1970’s to the early 1980’s but
she came back with a hit called “Freeway of Love” in the mid-80’s.
Many of Aretha’s songs were abut women seeking independence, including
“Respect”, which became a signature song for women seeking independence,
respect, and freedom everywhere. Other songs dealt with the various
issues women go through in relationships.
Aretha became the voice for
many women all across the country and the world. Her intense, stirring
vocals and prolific lyrics touched the hearts of many.
Her performances
were and are electric and soul stirring. She has sung at a number of
special events, including Martin Luther King’s funeral, her father’s
funeral, who died from a gunshot sustained during a robbery.
She also
sang at Jimmy Carter’s Presidential inauguration ceremony and recently
sang at the Superbowl. She has worked with numerous notable singers
including Otis Redding, Billy Preston, Curtis Mayfield, Luther Vandross,
Aaron Neville, Quincy Jones, and Chaka Khan to name a few.
Unlike many artists who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame, Aretha actually had a number one song the same year she was
inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame in 1987.
She was also the
first female inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Aretha has
influenced countless singers, specifically female singers, and women all
over the world.
Many singers have recorded versions of her songs and
have tried to copy her singing style. She has continued to receive
numerous awards and recognition for her superb musical talent and
impressive career.
Despite her personal problems, Aretha has proven to
be as strong as her music. She is known as the “Diva” of music
representing a strong, independent, and successful woman in an industry
comprised of mostly males.
Go to Rewind the Fifties Home
|
|
