The Queen of R & B is Aretha Franklyn‍

Early career

Aretha Franklin began her career as a gospel singer and started touring with her father when she was 12 years old. She regularly appeared on television and performed at multiple concerts throughout the 50s and 60s. She recorded her first album with her father and uncle in 1956 when she was only 14 years old. In 1961, she signed a contract with Columbia Records and released her first pop album. The same year, she had her first No. 1 song, “Won’t Be Long,” on the R&B and pop charts. Over the next few years, she continued to release pop albums, which included “Take a Look at Yourself” (1963), “I Can’t Imagine” (1964) and “For Sentimental Reasons” (1965).

The Queen of Soul

From the beginning of her career, Aretha was known for her powerful and soulful voice. With her first No. 1 single, “Won’t Be Long” in 1961, Aretha set a new standard for vocalists. The 1970s and 80s were the prime years for Aretha when she produced many of her most classic hits like “Call Me,” “Freeway of Love,” and “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” During the 1980s, Aretha continued to release hit albums, including “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?,” “Get It Right,” and “Aretha: The Best of the Warner Years.” In 1985, she released one of her most critically acclaimed albums, “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?,” which won her a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female.

Amazing facts about Aretha Franklin

- She is the only singer with top 10 hits in six consecutive decades (‘50s-‘80s).

- She holds the record for 20 top 10 albums in the Billboard charts.

- She was one of the first African-American artists to break the color barrier of the “Tonight Show.”

- She was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Grammy awards

In addition to being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha has won a total of 18 Grammys. She has won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance four times, and she has won the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance five times. In 1985, she won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance for her hit song “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” Her most recent Grammy win was in 2019 when she was awarded Best Gospel Album for “Never Going Back.” Overall, Aretha has won a total of 6 Grammy awards.

Legacy

Aretha Franklin has had a tremendous impact on music and culture as a whole. Her powerful voice and timeless music have made her the Queen of Soul. She has influenced countless artists and has set the standard for modern R&B singers. Throughout her career, Aretha has broken barriers for African-American artists and female singers. Her music has spanned decades and has resonated with people of all ages. Her music is timeless, and she will always be remembered as one of the greatest singers of all time.

Aretha Franklin’s best songs

- “Respect” - “Respect” is one of the most iconic songs in history. It was released in 1967, and it was written by Otis Redding. However, Aretha transformed the song with her powerful vocals and definitive version.

- “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” is one of the most soulful songs ever written. It was released in 1967 and was originally intended for Carole King’s album “Tapestry.”

- “Think” - “Think” is a timeless song that can be applied to any generation. It was released in 1968 and was written and composed by Aretha Franklin’s sister, Carolyn Franklin.

- “Respect Yourself” was written by Randy Goodrum and released in 1986. It was performed at the end of the Live Aid concert, and it is one of Aretha’s most inspiring songs.

Conclusion

There is no one like Aretha Franklin, and there never will be. Her voice and music personify the soul of America and have touched the lives of millions. She is a true icon and one of the greatest singers of all time. Aretha has broken many barriers and has set the standard for modern R&B singers. Her music has spanned decades and has resonated with people of all ages. Her music is timeless, and she will always be remembered as one of the greatest singers of all time.