![]() For more information please visit the Aretha Franklin homepage. With the support of her father, Aretha traveled to New York City in 1960 and after a demo which contained her version of a Helen Humes tune titled 'Today I Sing The Blues' made its way to the ears of executive John Hammond (responsible for signing such artists as Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Bob Dylan), Aretha was signed to Columbia in 1960. Young Aretha also heard the doo-wop sounds of Nolan Strong and The Diablos, The Moonglows, The 5 Royales and The Satins as well as popular '50s hitmakers such as Johnny Ace, Little Willie John, Jackie Wilson, Big Maybelle and Little Esther on the radio.Īretha's interest in a wide range of popular music became evident when she began her own recording career at Columbia Records, although it should be noted that her powerful, emotive style was first heard on a gospel recording made in 1956 with her father and released by Chess Records in the mid-'60s. While she was unquestionably influenced by the presence of such gospel luminaries as Clara Ward (a strong influence), Mahalia Jackson and the Reverend James Cleveland in the Franklin household, it was secular performers such as Dinah Washington and Sam Cooke (also visitors to the Franklin residence) who helped shape Aretha's wide-ranging interest in popular music. 1909 likes, 15 comments - Dime Store Radio (dimestoreradio) on Instagram: Remembering Aretha Franklin, born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee. Franklin's New Bethel Baptist Church at a very young age. Indeed, it's often been said that Aretha could take 'happy birthday' and turn it into a veritable opus and while those who know her will testify to her culinary skills in the kitchen, it is her mastery as a musical chef that is evident on each and every one of those forty-plus albums, many of which have achieved gold and platinum status.Īs is widely known, Aretha, born in Memphis, (reared in Buffalo but a longtime resident of Detroit,) began her personal musical journey singing at her much-revered father Reverend C.L. Her elevation to 'royal' status is indeed not just a function of her hitmaking ability but of her unique inventiveness as a musician who fuses art and soul seamlessly. Her ever-distinctive soulful, to-the-bone vocal style has graced the music charts for over four decades and while her 'live' performances have touched the hearts of literally millions since she began her musical journey as a gospel-singing child prodigy, it is her rich legacy of recordings that are a testament to the power, majesty and genius of this one-of-a-kind artist of the first order.īeyond the timeless classic hits such as 'Respect,' 'A Natural Woman,' 'Chain Of Fools,' 'Think,' 'Daydreaming' and 'Freeway Of Love' among the dozens of chart-topping records that have established her as a cultural icon, Aretha Franklin's catalog of over forty albums informs listeners of her unmatched, unparalleled artistry as an interpreter of song, bar none. During the months between Aretha's signing of her Columbia recording contract and the release of her first non-gospel album, she had begun to take piano. Blige to 'American Idol' winner Fantasia Burrino and Oscar- winning Jennifer Hudson. She has influenced generations of singers from Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole and Mary J. ![]() While working for the label, she managed to score two more R&B hits, Operation Heartbreak and Wont Be Long. ![]() Aretha has achieved global recognition on an unprecedented scale. Aretha released her first single at the age of eighteen, under Columbia Records, it reached number ten on the BillBoard charts and her first record was released in January of 1961. She has received countless international and national awards and accolades. This 2005 recipient of a Presidential Medal Of Freedom honor (the U.S.A.'s highest honor), 17 Grammy Awards (and counting), a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Grammy Living Legend Award. Tags 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1992 1995 1998 2003 2008 2011 Ahmet Ertegun Alicia Keys Al Jolsen Almighty Fire Amazing Grace Aretha's Records Aretha (1980) Aretha (1986) Aretha: A Woman Falling Out Of Love Aretha: From These Roots Aretha Arrives Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics Aretha Now Aretha with the Ray Bryant Combo Arista Records A Rose Is Still A Rose Atlantic Records B-SIde Ben E.She is known the world over by her first name and as the undisputed, reigning 'Queen Of Soul,' Aretha Franklin is peerless.
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