Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin - Black Women, Facts and Childhood

Violet FieldHome › AmericanAretha FranklinMarch 25, 1942806 views

0 based on 0 rates
Aretha Franklin Biography Stories 

Aretha Franklin's Personal Details

Popularly known as ‘The Queen of Soul’, Aretha Franklin was an American singer and musician

InformationDetail
BirthdayMarch 25, 1942
Died onAugust 16, 2018
NationalityAmerican
FamousAfrican American Singers, Black Female Singers, Black Musicians, Black Singers, Illuminati Members, Pianists, Singers, Rhythm & Blues Singers, Jazz Singers, Black Women
City/StateTennessee
SpousesGlynn Turman (m. 1978–1984), Ted White (m. 1961–1969)
SiblingsCarl Ellan Kelley, Carolyn Franklin, Erma Franklin, Rev. Cecil Franklin, Vaughn Franklin
Known asAretha Louise Franklin
ChildrensClarence Franklin, Edward Franklin, Kecalf Cunningham, Ted White Jr.
Cause of death
  • Cancer
Birth PlaceMemphis, Tennessee
ReligionBaptist
Height165
GenderFemale
FatherBarbara Siggers
MotherClarence LaVaughn Franklin
Net Worth$60 Million as of Apr 19,2017
Sun SignAries
Born inMemphis, Tennessee
Famous asSinger
Died at Age76

// Famous Black Women

Zahara Jolie-Pitt

Zahara Jolie-Pitt

Zahara Jolie-Pitt is the adopted daughter of former celebrity couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family life and fun facts about her.

Harris Faulkner

Harris Faulkner

Harris Faulkner is a new anchor and television presenter for Fox News Channel. Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about her life.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is an all-time great women's tennis player. Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about her.

Aretha Franklin's photo

Who is Aretha Franklin?

Aretha Louise Franklin, known as ‘The Queen of Soul’, was the first woman ever to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was born in a religious household in Tennessee to Reverend C.L. Franklin. Her mother was a gospel singer. She was interested in music and singing from a very young age and taught herself to play the piano. Her father recognized her talent for singing and started to manage her from the time she was 14, trying to get her a deal with a record company. She was signed for the first time by Columbia Records, the association that lasted for 6 years and she became an instant international craze. Later, she signed the Atlantic records and Arista Records, the label that she stuck with for 20 good years. She was the winner of 18 Grammy Awards and has also received many American Music Awards. She had given to the world acclaimed albums like: ‘I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You’, ‘Soul Lady’, ‘Young, Gifted & Black’, etc. She was one of the best-selling female artists of all time and had been listed twice on the ‘100 Greatest Artists of All Time’ and ‘100 Greatest Singers of All Time’ lists on the Rolling Stone magazine.

// Famous Singers

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell is an American singer and songwriter. Check out this biography to know about her childhood, family, personal life, birthday, etc.

Isaak Presley

Isaak Presley

All about American actor and singer Isaak Presley including his age, birthday, family life, girlfriends, net worth, and some fun facts.

Sophia Montero

Sophia Montero

Sophia Montero is an American singer and YouTuber. Let’s have a look at her family and personal life including age, date of birth, net worth, relationships, and fun facts.

Childhood & Early Life

Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee to Clarence LaVaughan ‘C.L.’ Franklin and Barbara Siggers Franklin. Her father was a Baptist preacher and mother was a gospel singer. She had 3 siblings and grew up in a religious household.

When Franklin was 5 years old, her family relocated to Detroit, Michigan where her father founded a Baptist church. When she was 6, her parents separated because of her father’s infamous promiscuity. Her mother moved to Buffalo.

When she was 10 years old, her mother died and her grandmother and aunts took care of her and her siblings. Her father was getting more and more famous for his sermons by this time and was known as the man with the ‘million-dollar voice’.

She started to learn how to play the piano on her own when she was only a little girl and her earliest songs were recorded at the church when she was only 14. She also used to sing on the revival tours of her father.

Career

At the age of 14, Franklin’s talent for singing was recognized by her father who started managing her, to get her a recording deal. In 1956, her first album came out under J. V. B. Records label, ‘Songs of Faith’.

In 1960, Franklin was signed by the Columbia Records, after she persuaded her father to let her record pop music. Her popular single ‘Today I Sung the Blues’ was released in the same year - it reached the Hot Rhythm & Blue Sellers Chart.

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.

In 1962, the same recording company released two of her albums: ‘The Electrifying Aretha Franklin’ and ‘The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin’. By this time, she was called the ‘new-star female vocalist’ by A-list magazines.

From 1964-1966, Franklin released various hit singles like: ‘Runnin’ Out of Fools’, ‘One Step Ahead’, ‘Cry Like a Baby’, ‘You Made Me Love You’, etc. under Columbia Records. 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.

In 1968, she released her albums: ‘Lady Soul’ and ‘Aretha Now’ with the Atlantic Records, giving hit singles like: ‘I say a Little Prayer’, ‘Think’, etc. She also received two Grammys and SCLC Drum Beat Award for Musicians.

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’. She gave out hit singles like: ‘Angel’, ‘Until You Come Back to Me’, ‘I’m in Love’, etc. She also worked on the soundtrack of the movie ‘Sparkle’.

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. She got nominated for a Grammy for one of the singles from the album ‘I can’t Turn You Loose’. 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’. The album included her famous duet with George Benson ‘Hold On, I’m Comin’, which eventually fetched her Grammy. It was her 11th Grammy so far.

In 1985, ‘Jump to It’ was released. It was a Gold standard album and a huge commercial hit after almost 7 years. The single from the album, with the same title, ranked first on ‘top 40 single on the pop charts’.

In 1985, she released ‘Who’s Zoomin’ Who’, which became her first platinum album and sold over a million copies. It included the hit singles like ‘Freeway of Love’ and ‘Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves’.

In 1987, she released another gospel album, titled ‘One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism’, which was followed by another one ‘Through the Storm’. Around the same time her album ‘What You See is What You Sweat’ was released.

In 1998, her album ‘A Rose Is Still a Rose’ was released, which turned out to be of Gold standard. During the same time, Franklin gave a performance at the Grammy Awards, singing ‘Nessun Dorma’ and received an international acclaim for it.

From 2004-2009, Franklin released albums like: ‘So Damn Happy’, ‘Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets with the Queen’ and ‘This Christmas ‘Tis of Thee’. She also performed at President Barack Obama’s inaugural ceremony.

From 2010-2013, she recorded an album under her own label, ‘Aretha: A Woman Falling Out of Love’. She was honored by a degree from the Yale University. She is now working under RCA Records.

Awards & Achievements

Franklin was the winner of 18 Grammy Awards; she received these awards between the period of 1968-2008, for hit singles like: ‘Respect’, ‘Don’t Play That Song’, ‘Freeway of Love’, ‘Wonderful’, ‘A House is Not A Home’, ‘Chain of Fools’, etc.

She was the winner of 3 American Music Awards in the category of ‘Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist’, in between the years 1976-1983. She was also the first female artist ever to have been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Personal Life & Legacy

Franklin gave birth to her sons Clarence and Edward when she was a teenager. She never revealed the identity of their fathers. Her boys were raised by her grandmother and sister while she pursued her career in music.

From 1961-1969, she was married to Ted White, who was much older to her, despite objections from her father. The marriage did not work out and Franklin was subjected to domestic violence throughout their marriage.

In 1964, Franklin’s third son was born, Ted White, Jr., who is now famously known as Teddy Richards and is a famous musician. Four years from there, her fourth son Kecalf was born. His father is Ken Cunningham, her former manager.

In 1978, she married actor Glynn Turman and mothered his three children from his former marriage. The couple got divorced in 6 years time. Later in life, Franklin announced plans to marry Willie Wilkerson but called it off immediately.

She died of pancreatic cancer on 16 Aug 2018

Trivia

Franklin suffered from weight problems almost all of her life.

She also suffered from alcoholism and was a chain smoker until 1992.

In 2005, she was inducted into the UK Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

She was honored with National Medal of Arts and Presidential Medal of Freedom.

She was famous in the 80s for wearing extravagant dresses and nightgowns in her shows and concerts.

// Famous Black Musicians

Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters was a blues musician referred to as the 'father of modern Chicago blues.' Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about him.

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is an American musician, singer and songwriter, considered to be one of the most creative musical performers of the 20th century. This biography provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline

Wale

Wale

Wale is an American rapper of Nigerian descent. Check out this biography to know more about his childhood, family, personal life, etc.

Aretha Franklin's awards

YearNameAward

Grammy Awards

2006Best Traditional R&B Vocal PerformanceWinner

Aretha Franklin biography timelines

  • // 25th Mar 1942
    Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee to Clarence LaVaughan ‘C.L.’ Franklin and Barbara Siggers Franklin. Her father was a Baptist preacher and mother was a gospel singer. She had 3 siblings and grew up in a religious household.
  • // 1956
    At the age of 14, Franklin’s talent for singing was recognized by her father who started managing her, to get her a recording deal. In 1956, her first album came out under J. V. B. Records label, ‘Songs of Faith’.
  • // 1960
    In 1960, Franklin was signed by the Columbia Records, after she persuaded her father to let her record pop music. Her popular single ‘Today I Sung the Blues’ was released in the same year - it reached the Hot Rhythm & Blue Sellers Chart.
  • // 1961
    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.
  • // 1961 To 1969
    From 1961-1969, she was married to Ted White, who was much older to her, despite objections from her father. The marriage did not work out and Franklin was subjected to domestic violence throughout their marriage.
  • // 1962
    In 1962, the same recording company released two of her albums: ‘The Electrifying Aretha Franklin’ and ‘The Tender, the Moving, the Swinging Aretha Franklin’. By this time, she was called the ‘new-star female vocalist’ by A-list magazines.
  • // 1964 To 1966
    From 1964-1966, Franklin released various hit singles like: ‘Runnin’ Out of Fools’, ‘One Step Ahead’, ‘Cry Like a Baby’, ‘You Made Me Love You’, etc. under Columbia Records. She also appeared on shows like Hollywood A Go-Go.
  • // 1967
    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.
  • // 1968
    In 1968, she released her albums: ‘Lady Soul’ and ‘Aretha Now’ with the Atlantic Records, giving hit singles like: ‘I say a Little Prayer’, ‘Think’, etc. She also received two Grammys and SCLC Drum Beat Award for Musicians.
  • // 1968 To 2008
    Franklin was the winner of 18 Grammy Awards; she received these awards between the period of 1968-2008, for hit singles like: ‘Respect’, ‘Don’t Play That Song’, ‘Freeway of Love’, ‘Wonderful’, ‘A House is Not A Home’, ‘Chain of Fools’, etc.
  • // 1978 To 1984
    In 1978, she married actor Glynn Turman and mothered his three children from his former marriage. The couple got divorced in 6 years time. Later in life, Franklin announced plans to marry Willie Wilkerson but called it off immediately.
  • // 1980
    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.
  • // 1981
    In 1981, Franklin released her album ‘Love All the Hurt Away’. The album included her famous duet with George Benson ‘Hold On, I’m Comin’, which eventually fetched her Grammy. It was her 11th Grammy so far.
  • // 1985
    In 1985, ‘Jump to It’ was released. It was a Gold standard album and a huge commercial hit after almost 7 years. The single from the album, with the same title, ranked first on ‘top 40 single on the pop charts’.
  • // 1985
    In 1985, she released ‘Who’s Zoomin’ Who’, which became her first platinum album and sold over a million copies. It included the hit singles like ‘Freeway of Love’ and ‘Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves’.
  • // 1987
    In 1987, she released another gospel album, titled ‘One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism’, which was followed by another one ‘Through the Storm’. Around the same time her album ‘What You See is What You Sweat’ was released.
  • // 1992
    She also suffered from alcoholism and was a chain smoker until 1992.
  • // 1998
    In 1998, her album ‘A Rose Is Still a Rose’ was released, which turned out to be of Gold standard. During the same time, Franklin gave a performance at the Grammy Awards, singing ‘Nessun Dorma’ and received an international acclaim for it.
  • // 2004 To 2009
    From 2004-2009, Franklin released albums like: ‘So Damn Happy’, ‘Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets with the Queen’ and ‘This Christmas ‘Tis of Thee’. She also performed at President Barack Obama’s inaugural ceremony.
  • // 2005
    In 2005, she was inducted into the UK Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  • // 2010 To 2013
    From 2010-2013, she recorded an album under her own label, ‘Aretha: A Woman Falling Out of Love’. She was honored by a degree from the Yale University. She is now working under RCA Records.
  • // 16th Aug 2018
    She died of pancreatic cancer on 16 Aug 2018

// Famous Illuminati Members

Kanye West

Kanye West

Kanye West is an American hip-hop musician, rapper, lyricist, record producer, film director and fashion designer.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer and songwriter who was taken the music world by storm. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about his life.

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton is a popular American hotel heiress, actress, socialite, model and writer. This biography profiles her childhood, life, activities, achievements and timeline.

David Bowie

David Bowie

David Bowie was an English singer and songwriter famous for his musical innovation and visual presentation. This biography of David Bowie provides detailed information about his childhood, life, achievements, works & timeline.

Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones is an American record producer, film & TV producer, composer, conductor, instrumentalist, jazz trumpeter, and record company executive. This biography provides detailed information on his childhood, life, career, achievements & timeline.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is a famous rap singer and song writer of the United States who is best known for her songs ‘I Get Crazy’ and ‘Super Bass’. To know more about her childhood, profile, career and timeline read on

Aretha Franklin's FAQ

  • What is Aretha Franklin birthday?

    Aretha Franklin was born at 1942-03-25

  • When was Aretha Franklin died?

    Aretha Franklin was died at 2018-08-16

  • Where was Aretha Franklin died?

    Aretha Franklin was died in Michigan

  • Which age was Aretha Franklin died?

    Aretha Franklin was died at age 76

  • Where is Aretha Franklin's birth place?

    Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee

  • What is Aretha Franklin nationalities?

    Aretha Franklin's nationalities is American

  • Who is Aretha Franklin spouses?

    Aretha Franklin's spouses is Glynn Turman (m. 1978–1984), Ted White (m. 1961–1969)

  • Who is Aretha Franklin siblings?

    Aretha Franklin's siblings is Carl Ellan Kelley, Carolyn Franklin, Erma Franklin, Rev. Cecil Franklin, Vaughn Franklin

  • Who is Aretha Franklin childrens?

    Aretha Franklin's childrens is Clarence Franklin, Edward Franklin, Kecalf Cunningham, Ted White Jr.

  • What is Aretha Franklin's cause of dead?

    Aretha Franklin dead because of Cancer

  • What is Aretha Franklin's religion?

    Aretha Franklin's religion is Baptist

  • How tall is Aretha Franklin?

    Aretha Franklin's height is 165

  • Who is Aretha Franklin's father?

    Aretha Franklin's father is Barbara Siggers

  • Who is Aretha Franklin's mother?

    Aretha Franklin's mother is Clarence LaVaughn Franklin

  • What is Aretha Franklin's sun sign?

    Aretha Franklin is Aries

  • How famous is Aretha Franklin?

    Aretha Franklin is famouse as Singer