What kind of singer was Aretha Franklin?
Soul R&B gospelAretha FranklinOriginDetroit, Michigan, U.S.GenresSoul R&B gospel jazz popInstrumentsVocals pianoLabelsJ.V.B Columbia Atlantic Arista RCA16 more rows
How would you describe Aretha Franklin's voice?
Technique. Most people think of Arethas' tone as thick and weighty at the bottom with a powerful, piercing mixed voice, and this was undoubtedly her voice at its peak. But, although most people associate her with a particular tone, her voice changed a lot throughout the years.
Is Aretha Franklin a jazz singer?
In the early Sixties, a young Aretha Franklin moved from gospel into jazz, and showed why no one genre could contain her enormous talent.
How many octaves can Aretha Franklin sing?
Aretha Franklin, the legendary Queen of Soul, is dead at 76 Franklin's four-octave range and mastery of melisma made her a force to be reckoned with both on record and on the stage.
Who is America's greatest singer?
25 Of The Greatest And Most Famous American Singers Of All TimeAretha Franklin.Elvis Presley.Whitney Houston.Madonna.Bruce Springsteen.Stevie Wonder.Tina Turner.Patsy Cline.More items...•
What defines soul music?
Definition of soul music : music that originated in African American gospel singing, is closely related to rhythm and blues, and is characterized by intensity of feeling and vocal embellishments.
What song is Aretha Franklin best known for?
RespectHer enormous discography includes 38 studio albums and 6 live albums. Her most famous songs include “Respect” (1967), “I Say a Little Prayer” (1968), “Chain of Fools” (1967), and “Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)” (1973).
What was Aretha Franklin's #1 top selling song?
Franklin topped the charts in 1987 with '80s icon, George Michael. "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" peaked at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 on April 18, 1987.
Who was Aretha Franklin?
Aretha Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. Over 75 million copies of her albums have been sold. In 2005 Frankli...
Where is Aretha Franklin from?
Although she was born in Memphis, Tennessee, Aretha Franklin spent most of her early years in Detroit, Michigan, with her mother, a gospel singer,...
How did Aretha Franklin start her career in music?
As a teen, Aretha Franklin sang in a junior gospel choir. She released a gospel album, The Gospel Sound of Aretha Franklin, in 1956, at age 14. In...
What are some of Aretha Franklin’s most famous songs?
Aretha Franklin was in the music business for nearly 60 years. Her enormous discography includes 38 studio albums and 6 live albums. Her most famou...
How did Aretha Franklin die?
Aretha Franklin died of advanced pancreatic cancer on August 16, 2018, in Detroit, Michigan.
How old was Aretha Franklin when she sang?
Her album The Gospel Sound of Aretha Franklin (1956) captures the electricity of her performances as a 14-year-old. At age 18, with her father’s blessing, Franklin switched from sacred to secular music.
Where was Aretha Franklin born?
Although she was born in Memphis, Tennessee, Aretha Franklin spent most of her early years in Detroit, Michigan, with her mother, a gospel singer, and her father, a Baptist minister. After her parents separated, Franklin remained with her father in Detroit. In 1960 she moved to New York City to pursue a career in secular music.
How many copies of Aretha Franklin albums have been sold?
Aretha Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist. Over 75 million copies of her albums have been sold. In 2005 Franklin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for revolutionizing music and “helping to shape our Nation’s artistic and cultural heritage.”.
When did Aretha Franklin start singing?
As a teen, Aretha Franklin sang in a junior gospel choir. She released a gospel album, The Gospel Sound of Aretha Franklin, in 1956, at age 14. In 1960 Franklin transitioned from sacred to secular music. She signed with Columbia Records in New York and released her first single, “Today I Sing the Blues,” in 1960.
Who was the Queen of Soul?
As a civil-rights -minded nation lent greater support to black urban music, Franklin was crowned the “Queen of Soul.”. “ Respect ,” her 1967 cover of Otis Redding ’s spirited composition, became an anthem operating on personal, sexual, and racial levels.
Who was Franklin's mother?
Franklin’s mother, Barbara, was a gospel singer and pianist. Her father, C.L. Franklin, presided over the New Bethel Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan, and was a minister of national influence. A singer himself, he was noted for his brilliant sermons, many of which were recorded by Chess Records.
Who was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Great Museums Television ( A Britannica Publishing Partner) See all videos for this article. In 1987 Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition, she received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1994, a National Medal of Arts in 1999, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.
What is Aretha Franklin known for?
Multiple Grammy winner and "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin was known for such hits as "Respect," "Freeway of Love" and "I Say a Little Prayer.".
When did Aretha Franklin release her first album?
In 1960, with her father's blessing, Franklin traveled to New York, where after being courted by several labels, including Motown and RCA, she signed with Columbia Records, who released the album Aretha in 1961 .
What song did Aretha Franklin sing with George Michael?
Her follow-up, 1986's Aretha, also charted well and eventually went gold, and her duet with British singer George Michael, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),'' hit No. 1 on the pop charts.
When did Aretha Franklin get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Franklin went on to release several popular singles, many of which are now considered classics. In 1987 she became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2008 she won her 18th Grammy Award, making her one of the most honored artists in Grammy history.
What was the name of the black singer who was a part of the disco craze?
But by 1975, Franklin's sound was fading into the background with the onset of the disco craze, and an emerging set of young Black singers, such as Chaka Khan and Donna Summer, began to eclipse Franklin's career.
Who was Aretha Franklin's mother?
The fourth of five children, Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Baptist preacher Reverend Clarence La Vaughan "C. L." Franklin and Barbara Siggers Franklin, a gospel singer. Franklin's parents separated by the time she was six, and four years later her mother succumbed to a heart attack.
Who is the Godfather of Soul?
James Brown. James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," was a prolific singer, songwriter and bandleader, as well as one of the most iconic figures in funk and soul music. (1933–2006) Person.
What is Aretha Franklin famous for?
Iconic singer Aretha Franklin will forever be remembered for hit songs such as "Respect," "Think" and " (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," as well as her activism and role in the civil rights movement. However, there are facets of her life and career that aren't as recognized.
What song did Aretha Franklin sing at the 1964 concert?
Its standout performances included Franklin joining with her fellow divas to sing the perennially popular " (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. ". Aretha Franklin in 1964.
What happened to the Franklin hat?
At the time the hat inspired memes and became a viral sensation. Since then it's cemented its place in history. After the inauguration, Franklin 's hat was loaned to the Smithsonian (though it wasn't added to the museum's permanent collection). A replica was added to a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame traveling exhibit.
What was the Respect singer's life like?
The "Respect" singer's life featured both challenges and accomplishments, including a life-changing fear and a performance alongside a former Cabinet member. The "Respect" singer's life featured both challenges and accomplishments, including a life-changing fear and a performance alongside a former Cabinet member.
When did Franklin's voice become a natural resource?
In 1985, the Department of Natural Resources of the state of Michigan officially declared Franklin's voice a "natural resource of the state.".
Who was the singer who performed with Condoleezza Rice?
Over the course of her career, Franklin appeared alongside many famous people. Surprisingly, this list of performing partners includes former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. On July 27, 2010, the two shared a stage in Philadelphia in order to raise money for educational and outreach programs.
Who rehearsed without Franklin?
So she did what any self-respecting diva would do — she left. The remaining divas — Shania Twain, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Carole King — rehearsed without Franklin.
Where was Aretha Franklin born?
Childhood & Early Life. Aretha Franklin was born on�March 25, 1942,�in Memphis, Tennessee, to Clarence LaVaughan ‘C.L.’ Franklin and Barbara Siggers Franklin. Her father was a Baptist preacher, while her mother was a gospel singer. She had 3 siblings and they all grew up in a religious household. When Franklin was 5 years old, her family relocated ...
What album did Aretha Franklin sing?
A hit single ‘United Together’ made to the number 3 on the R&B chart. In 1981, Franklin released her album ‘Love All the Hurt Away ’.
What was the first gospel album by Aretha Franklin?
In the 1970s, Franklin released albums like ‘Spirit in the Dark’, ‘Young, Gifted & Black’, ‘Hey Now Hey’, ‘You’, ‘Sweet Passion’ etc. She also released her first gospel album, titled ‘Amazing Grace’ during the same time. During the same years, she recorded her first live album ‘Aretha Live at Fillmore West’.
What was Aretha Franklin's first album?
In 1961, Franklin’s debut pop album came out with Columbia Records, titled ‘Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo’ . The album was an instant hit with the American listeners and the hit single ‘Rock-a-bye’ catapulted her into an international star.
When did Aretha Franklin release "I Never Love a Man the Way I Love You"?
She also appeared on shows like Hollywood A Go-Go. In 1967 , Aretha singed to Atlantic Records and released ‘I Never Love a Man the Way I Love You’ which topped the R&B chart and the Billboard Hot 100 with hit singles like: ‘Do Right Woman, Do Right man’, ‘Respect’, etc.
When did Aretha Franklin sign with Arista Records?
In 1980 , she signed the Arista Records and gave a memorable performance for the Queen of England at the Royal Albert Hall. She also did a cameo in the musical ‘The Blues Brothers’ in the same year. During the same time, ‘Aretha’ was released.
Who is Aretha Franklin's father?
In 1968, her fourth son, Kecalf, was born. His father is Ken Cunningham, Aretha Franklin's former manager. In 1978, she married actor Glynn Turman and took�care of his three children from his former marriage. The couple divorced in 1984.
Where was Aretha Franklin born?
All of Aretha’s music, even her operatic performance, feels deeply infused with her gospel roots. She was born in Memphis in 1942: the daughter of a preacher man with a wayward rep. She was raised in Detroit, where her father preached at the New Bethel Baptist Church, and her musical schooling began; she proved a prodigal talent as a pianist (her piano skills would endure as oneof her career trademarks) and a vocalist. It was a turbulent upbringing; her parents split, and her mother died when Aretha was nine. By the time Aretha was recording her debut album, Songs of Faith, aged 14, she was also pregnant with her second child. The first track on that 1956 gospel collection is her take on the 18th Century hymn, There is a Fountain Filled with Blood, and it still sounds hauntingly beautiful: just her dreamy voice and piano, with echoes of handclaps and exultations.
How old was Aretha Franklin when she died?
The news that Aretha Franklin has died, aged 76, brings sorrow, reflection and a renewed realisation that the Queen of Soul’s reign was an extraordinary one. Within a career that spans nearly six exceptional decades, she achieved tens of millions of international record sales (including countless electrifying classics – Respect, ...
When was Aretha Franklin's "A Rose Is Still A Rose" released?
Her ‘90s releases felt less substantial, but they still yielded the sublime, Lauryn Hill-produced A Rose Is Still A Rose (1998); in the video, Aretha delivers a sermon-like intro from a throne of blooms.
When did Aretha Franklin sign to Atlantic Records?
She continued performing until not long before her death, such as at the 25th anniversary concert for the Elton John Aids Foundation on 7 November 2017 (Credit: Getty Images) After an initial major label stint at Columbia Records, Aretha would sign to Atlantic Records in 1967, and seal her royal status.
Who sang Take My Hand at Martin Luther King's funeral?
She sang black gospel composer Thomas Dorsey’s Precious Lord (Take My Hand) at Martin Luther King’s funeral following his assassination in 1968. When civil rights activist Angela Davis was jailed in 1970, Aretha publicly offered to post a quarter of a million dollars in bail (“I have the money,” said Aretha.
Is Aretha Franklin legendary?
Aretha was legendary enough for the world to call for her on first-name terms; at the same time, she was formidably talented, and regal enough to appear coolly distanced from any ‘celebrity’ world. In an entertainment age given to hyperbole and histrionics, Aretha remained a genuine star, and she commanded unequivocal respect. She still does. Even now, it does not feel right to refer to Aretha’s voice in the past tense, because it always sounds so fantastically, vitally in the moment.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Positives: A rich, heavy and dark voice. Legendary interpretive wit, thanks to incredible knowledge of musical phrasing and vocal pedagogy. Franklin crafted incredible phrases by utilizing rhythmic variations and motifs, dynamics, articulation, vocal colors and drives to create original and brilliant phrases.
Vocal Range and Profile: Aretha Franklin
Positives: A rich, heavy and dark voice. Legendary interpretive wit, thanks to incredible knowledge of musical phrasing and vocal pedagogy. Franklin crafted incredible phrases by utilizing rhythmic variations and motifs, dynamics, articulation, vocal colors and drives to create original and brilliant phrases.
How many octaves can Aretha Franklin sing?
And one of the things that made Aretha so great was her impressive vocal range. She could sing notes spanning well over three octaves – and some people even argue she could sing up to four octaves.
How old was Queen of Soul when she died?
The legendary Queen of Soul passed away this week, aged 76, and what better way to pay tribute than to take a moment to appreciate her ridiculously impressive vocal range?
Children
Albums and Songs
- 'Aretha'
After a brief hiatus, Franklin returned to performing and followed heroes such as Cooke and Dinah Washington into pop and blues territory. In 1960, with her father's blessing, Franklin traveled to New York, where after being courted by several labels, including Motown and RCA, she signed wi… - "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)"
Backed by the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, Franklin recorded the single "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)." In the midst of the recording sessions, White quarreled with a member of the band, and White and Franklin left abruptly. But as the single became a massive T…
Career Struggles
- But by 1975, Franklin's sound was fading into the background with the onset of the disco craze, and an emerging set of young Black singers, such as Chaka Khan and Donna Summer, began to eclipse Franklin's career. She did, however, find a brief respite from slumping sales with the 1976 soundtrack to the Warner Brothers film Sparkle — which topped th...
More Albums and Songs: 1980s and on
- 'Who's Zoomin' Who?'
In 1985 Franklin returned to the top of the charts with a smash-hit album: the polished pop record Who's Zoomin' Who?Featuring the single "Freeway of Love," as well as a collaboration with the popular rock band The Eurythmics, the record became Franklin's biggest-selling album yet. - 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)'
Her follow-up, 1986's Aretha, also charted well and eventually went gold, and her duet with British singer George Michael, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),'' hit No. 1 on the pop charts. In 1987 Franklin became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and w…
Death
- On August 12, 2018, it was reported that a "gravely ill" Franklin was bedridden in her Detroit home, surrounded by family and friends. As news of her condition spread, more luminaries paid a visit to express their well wishes, including Wonder and Jesse Jackson. Four days later, on the morning of August 16, Franklin succumbed to her illness, which her family revealed to be pancreatic canc…
Movie
- In January 2018, it was announced that Franklin hand-picked singer and actress Jennifer Hudson to play her in an upcoming biopic. After being pushed back several times, Respectwill be released on August 13, 2021.