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Top 20 Fascinating Facts about Aretha Franklin

*Originally published by Joseph  G in November 2022 updated by Diane C in January 2024

She was born on march 25, 1942. Her parents were Barbara and Clarence LaVaughn 鈥淐. L.鈥� Franklin.

Aretha Franklin was born at her family鈥檚 home which was located at 406 Lucy Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. Her father’s origin was from Shelby, Mississippi. He was a preacher and Baptist minister.

Aretha Franklin’s mother was a piano player and also a vocalist. Both her father and mother had other children from their previous relationships plus their four children.

 When she was 2 years old, her family relocated to Buffalo, New York. However, when she was 5 years older her father relocated them permanently to Detroit. In Detroit, he took over the pastorship of the New Bethel Baptist Church.

Aretha Franklin was referred to as a Queen of soul due to her skills as a singer, songwriter, and pianist. Franklin is one of the best musicians in America with global sales of over 75 million records. At the 鈥�100 greatest artists of all time鈥�, she placed ninth, twice.  Franklin is among the best-selling music artists in the world.

Below are some of the top 20 Fascinating facts about Aretha Franklin

1. She was managed by her father when she was 12  years old

Her father decided to manage her when she was 12 years old.  He took her during his gospel caravan tours where she Performed in different churches.

With her father’s help, she signed her first recording deal with J.V.B. Records. Nine tracks were recorded and various recording types of equipment were purchased and installed at New Bethel Baptist church.

2. Franklin Started Producing Pop Music at 18 Years Old

When she turned 18 years old, Aretha decided to follow Sam Cooke in order to record pop music and she relocated to New York.

Her father C. L. Franklin who was her manager agreed and helped her to produce a demo of two songs. The songs were brought to Columbia Records which signed her in 1960 as a five-percent artist.

She was coached by choreographer Cholly Atkins in order to prepare for her pop music performance. Her father refused to sign her with his label RCA before signing with Sam Cookie because she had decided to go with Columbia.

However, in 1960 her first single, 鈥淭oday I Sing the Blues鈥�, was issued, the single was among the 鈥渢op 10 of the Hot Rhythm & Blues Sellers chart.鈥�

3. People Described her as a Giant Singer

Aretha Franklin. Author Cecilio Ricardo.

Due to her intelligence, skillful piano playing, her experience in music and her vocal flexibility, she was seen as a Giant in music industry. Richie Unterberger also Described her as  鈥渙ne of the giants of soul music, and indeed of American pop as a whole. More than any other performer, she epitomized soul at its most gospel-charged鈥�.

 Her voice was described by many people as 鈥減owerful mezzo-soprano voice鈥�. Franklin received praises due to her ability to arrange and also interpret different songs from other artists.

 David Remnick, praised her by saying 鈥渄istinguishes her is not merely the breadth of her catalog or the cataract force of her vocal instrument; it鈥檚 her musical intelligence, her way of singing behind the beat, of spraying a wash of notes over a single word or syllable, of constructing, moment by moment, the emotional power of a three-minute song. 鈥楻espect鈥� is as precise an artifact as a Ming vase.鈥�

4. Franklin was Involved in the Struggle of Civil Rights and Women鈥檚 Rights

Picture of Aretha Brown. Author Pandaboy2sssss627.

Due to her background, being raised in a family of a prominent African-American preacher. She was involved in the struggle of civil humans rights and also women鈥檚 rights.

Franklin offered her support by providing money for different civil rights groups. Her donations were used for payroll covering.

In 1970, Franklin told jet, when Angela Davis was jailed that, “Angela Davis must go free … Black people will be free. I’ve been locked up (for disturbing the peace in Detroit) and I know you got to disturb the peace when you can’t get no peace. Jail is hell to be in. I’m going to see her free if there is any justice in our courts, not because I believe in communism, but because she’s a Black woman and she wants freedom for Black people.”

She produce two different songs “Respect” and “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman” which were used as national anthem to the movements.

5. Franklin Declined to Perform During President Trump Inauguration

President Donald Trump being sworn in on January 20, 2017 at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. The White House.

During the inauguration ceremony of president Donald Trump in 2017, together with several American icons they refused to take part in the performance. This was as  a mass act of musical protest.

6. She was a Strong Support of Native American Rights

Without fanfare and quietly she devoted her time and also resources to support the Native American Rights.

She also supported indigenous people struggles across the world and movements that supported Native American Rights.

7. Franklin First Became Pregnant at the Age of 12

Franklin had four sons. She gave birth to her firstborn son while at the age of 12 years old, she named him Clarence after her farther.

When she was 15 years old , she gave birth to her second son in 1957, and named him Edward Derone Franklin. Franklin grandmother together with her sister helped her to raise the children while she was busy with her singing career.  

In 1964, she gave birth to her third son, Ted White Jr. And in 1970, she gave birth to her lastborn Kecalf Cunningham. Kecalf鈥檚 father was Franklin鈥檚 road manager Ken Cunningham.

8. Franklin鈥檚 Father was Shot Twice at a Point Blank Range

In 1979, when she was performing at  Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, her father was shot at a point blank range while at his home in  Detroit

His father spent six months in a coma at Henry Ford Hospital. For the love of his father, Aretha decided to go back home in 1982 to help in taking care of his father. However, in 1984, he passed while he was at Detroit鈥檚 New Light Nursing Home.

9. Franklin Retired in 2017

During an interview in 2017 with a local Detroit television, she announced that 2017 would be her last year on a music tour.

10.  She is a self-taught prodigy

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Formal music education? Not for Aretha! This musical genius mastered the piano by ear at the tender age of four, setting the stage for a lifetime of improvisation and innovation. Aretha’s musical ability blossomed organically. 

She learned to play piano by ear, mimicking the sounds she loved, and developing her unique style. By the age of six, she was confidently leading the church choir, showcasing her innate talent and powerful voice.

11. Aretha Franklin is a Grammy Award legend

A whopping 18 Grammys sit on Aretha’s shelf, including the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award for a female artist. These accolades are a testament to her unparalleled talent and enduring influence.

Her first Grammy came in 1968, a remarkable eight consecutive wins for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. These awards recognized her raw power and emotional depth, epitomized in hits like “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

But Aretha wasn’t confined to genre categories. Her 1974 win for Best Pop Vocal Performance for “I Can’t Believe You Love Me” showcased her crossover appeal.

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

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Aretha became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, paving the way for countless female artists to follow.

Aretha’s induction wasn’t just a one-time event; it sparked a shift in the tides. In the following years, the Hall saw a significant increase in female inductees, including Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, and Diana Ross.

13. She was a fashion icon

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Aretha embraced her bold personality through her style. Fur coats, towering wigs, and glamorous gowns became her signature, reminding everyone that being a soul queen meant owning your look.

Aretha embraced the full potential of gowns. Flowing silks and shimmering sequins draped her form, not to diminish her power, but to amplify it. In an era where women were often told to shrink and conform, she embraced maximalism, defying expectations and celebrating her individuality. 

14. Aretha also took on acting gigs

Who knew the Queen of Soul could act? Aretha’s hilarious portrayal of a sassy diner waitress in the iconic film “The Blues Brothers” proved her versatility and comedic timing.

15. Aretha became the first recipient of a Special Pulitzer Prize

Posthumously honored in 2019, Aretha became the first recipient of a Special Pulitzer Prize for her “indelible contribution to American music and culture.” This prestigious award cemented her status as a true cultural icon.

The Pulitzer Prize, traditionally awarded for journalism and literature, rarely ventured into the realm of popular music. Aretha’s special citation, recognizing her “indelible contribution to American music and culture,” was a monumental shift.

16. She was a lover of animals

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Aretha wasn’t just a star on stage; she was a big softie when it came to animals. Her menagerie included an adorable raccoon named Bandit and even a majestic black swan! This adorable creature wasn’t just a pet; he was a constant companion, sharing the comfort of Aretha’s home and even accompanying her on tours.

17. She spent time studying Judaism

Aretha’s reasons for studying Judaism are unclear, but several possibilities exist. Some speculate it was driven by a search for deeper spiritual meaning, possibly influenced by the civil rights movement’s exploration of liberation theology. Others suggest it was sparked by intellectual curiosity and a desire to connect with her Jewish producer, Jerry Wexler.

Aretha’s engagement went beyond casual interest. She reportedly studied Hebrew, observed traditions, and even attended services at synagogues.

18. She was titled the “Voice of Soul”

Rolling Stone bestowed upon Aretha the prestigious title of “Voice of Soul,” perfectly capturing the emotional depth and raw power that she poured into each song. Her voice became the soundtrack of a generation, resonating with joy, heartache, and unyielding resilience.

19. Aretha had a religious background

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Nurtured within the walls of New Bethel Baptist Church, Aretha’s early influences stemmed from the raw emotion and power of gospel music. This foundation would become the driving force behind her signature soulful sound.

20. She Died at the Age of 76 Years

She was reported ill in August 2018, while still at her home in Riverfront Towers, Detroit. However, Franklin died at the age of 76 years at her home in 2018.

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But beyond the accolades, the awards, and the dazzling performances, lies a legacy that transcends the realm of music. Aretha’s voice became an instrument of empowerment, a rallying cry for the marginalized, a testament to the enduring power of hope and resilience. Her story is a reminder that greatness doesn’t always follow a predictable path, that raw talent can bloom in unexpected places, and that a single voice, when ignited by passion and purpose, can ignite a revolution.