Aretha Franklin

The Profile

Aretha Franklin (1942–2018) was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter born in Memphis and raised in Detroit. After early gospel recordings, she broke through at Atlantic Records in 1967 with hits like Respect, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, and Chain of Fools. A cultural icon of soul, gospel, and R&B, she was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1987) and earned 18 Grammy Awards.

Renowned as the Queen of Soul with gospel roots from her father C. L. Franklin’s church; pivotal Atlantic-era albums include I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, Lady Soul, and Aretha Now; famed for transformative interpretations of others’ songs; associated with Muscle Shoals musicians and producer Jerry Wexler; delivered landmark gospel set Amazing Grace (1972); Respect became a civil rights and feminist anthem.

Four enthusiastic reviews spotlight Aretha Franklin’s Atlantic-era power: studio brilliance, fearless covers, and a commanding live presence. Respect is framed as a seismic feminist and social anthem; Lady Soul and Aretha Now earn raves for voice, songs, and band fire. This Girl’s in Love With You defends the art of reinterpretation, while Aretha Sings the Blues shows her gospel-blues agility. Publicly, Franklin stands as the Queen of Soul, first woman in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a defining American voice.