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Home • News

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
01
Why Was I Born?

Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 25, 1942. Her first recordings were as a gospel artist at the age of 14. Here, the singer holds a copy of her album ‘Aretha Franklin – Soul ’69.’

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
02
Soulville

Franklin would record for Columbia throughout the first half of the ’60s, but left for Atlantic and recorded the hit single, “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” solidifying herself as the Queen of Soul.

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
03
In Case You Forget

In early 1968, Franklin won her first two Grammys for “Respect.” She went on to win eight “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance” awards in a row every year until Natalie Cole put a stop to it in 1975.

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
04
R-E-S-P-E-C-T

By the end of the 1960s, Franklin’s position as “Soul Sister Number 1” was firmly established. Her albums, in particular 1972’s “Amazing Grace,” sold more than two million US copies — going double platinum — and becoming the best-selling gospel album of all time.

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
05
Let It Be

Many do not know that Franklin was also a keyboardist. In the late ’60s, Franklin became one of the biggest international recording stars in the history of pop music.

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
06
I Knew You Were Waiting for Me

Franklin’s commercial and artistic success was unabated in the early ‘70s, during which she landed more hit records with “Spanish Harlem,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “Day Dreaming.” Here, people wait on line to buy tickets to see Aretha Franklin at Apollo Theatre. We love the line" She’s Home."

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
07
God Bless the Child

Aretha Franklin has been married and divorced twice, and has given birth to four sons. Here, she is pictured with her second husband, actor Glynn Turman (“A
Different World”) and son Kelf in 1978.

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
08
A Natural Woman

Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan, Roberta Flack and Aretha Franklin perform on the “We Love You Madly” Duke Ellington tribute in 1973. That same year the emotional plea “Angel,” produced in 1973 by Quincy Jones, became a hit.

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
09
Ever Changing Times

After several years of failed recordings, Franklin’s career was given a much-needed boost in 1980 by a performance of the single “Think.”

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
10
Share Your Love with Me

In 1987 Franklin became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
11
What Ya’ll Came to Do

In 1993, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Diana Ross stand with a crowd in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Numerous musicians and performers gathered in front of the Memorial to celebrate the inauguration of President Bill Clinton.

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
12
Never Grow Old

In 2008, Franklin received her 18th Grammy.

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
13
A Change Is Gonna Come

Aretha Franklin proved she still held the crown for the Queen of Soul when she was invited to sing at the 2009 presidential inauguration for Barack Obama.

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
14
A Natural Woman

Here, Franklin was inducted into the Apollo Theater’s Legends Hall of Fame. Franklin will always have the ability to draw live audiences and immense respect for the rest of her lifetime. She is one of the giants of soul music, and indeed of American pop as a whole.

Aretha Franklin Life in Pictures
Jennifer Cooper