Aretha Franklin: The story of the 'Queen of Soul'
She was a trailblazer
Aretha Franklin - 'The Queen of Soul' - was a trailblazer. Aretha is one of the most decorated artists in Grammy history, the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1981 and was rated by Rolling Stone as the top spot in their 2010 list of "100 Greatest Singers of All Time".
It's hard to understate the impact of the American singer, musician and civil rights activist. Join us as we take a deep-dive into Aretha's incredible talent and legendary career.
Where was Aretha Franklin from?
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, to the famous Baptist preacher C. L. Franklin and Barbara Sigger Franklin in 1942, Aretha began her career as a gospel singer in Detroit in her father's church, where she was also friends and neighbours with Berry Gordy Jr and Smokey Robinson.
Aretha was considered a child prodigy from an early age, leading to a series of gospel recordings before she landed her first recording contract with Columbia, with whom she released her 1961 debut 'Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo' at the age of 19.
How did Aretha Franklin become famous?
However, it wasn't until Aretha joined Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records, that Aretha fully unlocked her full, soul-filled musical potential from 1967 to 1979, releasing hits such as 'I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)' (1967), 'Respect' (1967), 'Think' (1968) and 'I Say a Little Prayer' (1968).
Her chart dominance during this time soon earned her the title 'Queen of Soul' whilst simultaneously becoming a leading symbol in the civil rights movement, even singing at Martin Luther King Jr's funeral.
In the 1970s, the singer began working with producers such as Quincy Jones and Curtis Mayfield, before her career started to fade with the rise of disco.
By the early 1980s, and after a cameo in The Blues Brothers (1980), Aretha had signed to Arista with whom she stayed with for 23 years and saw a resurgence of more pop-orientated hits, including collaborations with the Eurythmics and George Michael.
Was Aretha Franklin married?
Aretha was married twice - first to her manager Ted White in 1961 at the age of 18. They divorced in 1969, and she married actor Glynn Turman in 1978 and they divorced in 1984.
She also had four sons. Her first child was born in 1955 and named Clarence after her father, and his paternity was only discovered in 2019 to be Edward John, who was also the father of her second son, Edward Derone Franklin, born in 1957. She shared her third son, Ted White Jr., with her first husband, born in 1964 and is now known as Teddy Richards, and her fourth son is Kecalf Cunningham who was born in 1970 to Aretha and her road manager Ken Cunningham.
When did Aretha Franklin pass away?
The singer remained musically active until 2017, but her career was ultimately curbed because of her declining health, where she succumbed to pancreatic cancer on 16th August 2018.
Whether it was performing soul, R&B, gospel or pop, Aretha Franklin had a monumental impact within the 20th century, and many of her songs are still revered today.
Did Aretha Franklin have a Will?
Aretha didn't have a Will in a conventional sense, which was only discovered after her death in 2018. Her niece Sabrina Owens, who was also the estate's executor, found two handwritten documents nine months after her death.
The documents were dated in 2010 and 2014, two of her sons argued that the more recent document, found under a sofa cushion was her Will, however another document found in a locked drawer was argued to be her Will by her son Ted.
In July 2023, a jury declared that the 2014 dated document found under her sofa cushion was indeed a Will.
Which are Aretha Franklin's best-known songs?
Aretha Franklin: 'Respect'
Of course, 'Respect' is one of Aretha Franklin's most iconic songs. The song is actually a cover of Otis Redding's song from 1965. Aretha's version was released in 1967, and the song was very successful, reaching Number 10 in the UK, and Number 1 in the USA.
Aretha Franklin: 'I Say a Little Prayer'
Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and originally released by Dionne Warwick in 1967, Aretha covered it with huge success just a year later.
Although it was a B-side and a cover, 'I Say a Little Prayer' was a hugely popular song for Aretha here in the UK, reaching Number 4 in 1968. It became so popular that despite being a B-side it received a lot of airplay on the radio and continues to be well-known Aretha song to this day.
Aretha Franklin: 'Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves'
Released in 1985 'Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves' with the Eurythmics was another Top 10 song for Aretha Franklin. The female anthem was written by the Eurythmics and featured on their 'Be Yourself Tonight' album along with Aretha's 'Who's Zoomin' Who?'.
Since its original release, the song has been covered a number of times, including by the Spice Girls and Hazell Dean in 1998, and The Pointer Sisters in 2005.
Aretha Franklin: 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)' with George Michael
One of Aretha Franklin's most popular songs was 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)' with George Michael. The song reached Number 1 around the world, including the UK.
Aretha Franklin: '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman'
One of Aretha's most iconic love songs, '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' was released in 1967, having been written specifically for Aretha by Carole King and Gerry Goffin. Many other artists have covered the track since its original release including songwriter Carole, Peggy Lipton, George Benson, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and Mary J. Blige among many others.
Aretha Franklin: 'Chain of Fools'
Aretha first recorded 'Chain of Fools' in 1967. The track was originally written by singer-songwriter Don Covay for Otis Redding, but Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler gave it to Aretha instead. She won the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for the song.
'Aretha Franklin A Portrait Of The Queen' box set
In December 2023, 'Aretha Franklin A Portrait Of The Queen' box set was released and it features five of her classic albums, along with a whole host of extras. The box set is available on a LP and CD, and includes session alternates, outtakes, B-sides, and demos.
The albums featured on this release are: 'This Girl’s In Love With You', 'Spirit In The Dark', 'Young, Gifted And Black', 'Hey Now Hey (The Other Side Of The Sky)' and 'Let Me In Your Life', and include many of her hits like 'Son Of A Preacher Man', 'Don't Play That Song (You Lied)', and 'Spanish Harlem'.
Take a look at our favourite ever biopics and some we can't wait to see:
Tony Wilson (Factory Records) - 24 Hour Party People (2002)
Released in 2002, 24 Hour Party People depicts the story of the Manchester music scene from 1976 to 1992 and the revolutionary independent record label Factory Records. The film begins with the explosion of Punk Rock in the late 1970s, it then moves through the 1980s and into the 'Madchester' rave scene of the 1990s revolving around the famous Haçienda nightclub.
The main character is Factory Records founder Tony Wilson, played by Steve Coogan. The film dramatises events that actually happened, rumours and urban legends surrounding the scene, with characters often breaking the fourth wall to speak directly to the viewer. It features the careers of bands including the Happy Mondays, Joy Division, New Order and A Certain Ratio.
Watch the trailer.
Johnny Cash - Walk The Line (2005)
Walk The Line tells the life story of legendary American Country singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. It is based on two of his autobiographies, Man in Black: His Own Story in His Own Words (1975), and Cash: The Autobiography (1997).
It follows the story from his early life, romance with musician June Carter and his ascent into the domination of the Country music genre. The film was released in November 2005 and stars Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix.
Watch the trailer.
Joy Division - Control (2007)
Control, starring Samantha Morton, Sam Riley and Alexandra Maria Lara follows the late singer Ian Curtis and Joy Division. Starting in 1975, the film begins with teenagers Ian Curtis (Sam Riley) and Debbie Woodruff (Samantha Morton) marrying, before they attend a Sex Pistols concert a year later with some friends who are starting a band.
Eventually after a name change, Joy Division is formed, releasing many iconic hits in the 70s and 80s. The film follows the band in their early years, until the sad death of Ian, after the breakdown of his marriage to Debbie.
Watch the trailer.
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
The film Bohemian Rhapsody was released in 2018 and tells the story of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury from his humble beginnings to one of the biggest stars in the world. The film culminates at the legendary Live Aid gig at Wembley Stadium in 1985.
The film became a huge success and increased the popularity of Queen. It was nominated for numerous awards and the production won four times at the 91st Academy Awards including Best Actor for Rami Malek portrayal of Freddie, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing.
Watch the trailer.
Elton John - Rocketman (2019)
The hugely popular Elton John biopic Rocketman was released in May 2019, following the singer's life from his early years through until the 1980s. Elton wrote a brand new song, '(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again', for the film, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
It starred Taron Egerton as Elton and Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin. Elton's husband David was a co-producer on the film, which also won Taron a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
Watch the trailer.
Alan McGee (Creation Records) - Creation Stories (2021)
Released in 2021, Creation Stories tells the story of Alan McGee the founder of Creation Records. The film was adapted by screenwriter Irvine Welsh from the Creation boss' 2013 autobiography of the same name.
Alan McGee founded the independent Creation Records label in 1983 and worked with iconic bands including Primal Scream, The Boo Radleys, The Jesus and Mary Chain and perhaps most famously signed Oasis at their gig in Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in 1993.
Watch the trailer.
Aretha Franklin - Respect (2021)
Respect is a music biopic released in 2021 about the life of one of the greatest American singers and civil rights activists, Aretha Franklin. Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls, portrayed the 'Respect' singer in the film.
Forest Whitaker also starred in the film as C. L. Franklin, Aretha's father, with Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Aretha's husband and manager.
Watch the trailer.
Elvis Presley - Elvis (2022)
As the name suggests, Elvis is a biopic about Elvis Presley. The film follows Elvis (Austin Butler) from his humble beginnings and his Mississippi roots as he becomes a rock and roll icon. Meanwhile his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) guides and controls his fame. The film was released on 24th June 2022 and directed Baz Luhrmann.
Other roles in the biopic are played by Olivia DeJonge (Priscilla Presley), award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson (Elvis' mother Gladys), Richard Roxburgh (Elvis' father, Vernon), and Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery (TV director Steve Binder).
Watch the trailer.
Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (2022)
I Wanna Dance With Somebody is a film about the incredible life and career of singer and actress Whitney Houston. It was released in December 2022 and stars actress Naomi Ackie as Whitney.
Back in 2021, Naomi spoke to ET about taking on the role, saying: "I'm going to try my best because that woman - it sends shivers down my spine how much she means to me, the world, Black women, African American women. I'm going to throw my everything into making sure she is represented properly.
"I just want to tell her story. And I think when I'm able to simplify it down to that, I'll be able to handle the pressure."
Watch the trailer.
Bob Marley - One Love (2024)
One Love, the biopic about Bob Marley, was released in February 2024. It is a film about the life and career of the reggae legend, with actor Kingsley Ben-Adir playing the lead role in the biopic. A synopsis for the film says: 'Discover Bob's powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.'
The film, which was made in association with the late singer's family also starred huge names including Lashana Lynch, Michael Gandolfini, James Norton and Tosin Cole.
Watch the trailer.
Bob Dylan - A Complete Unknown (2024)
Oscar nominated actor Timothée Chalamet portrays Bob Dylan in the 2024 biopic about the music icon. The film follows the musician's life and career, including his switch from folk to rock music. Work on the film was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it was finally released in 2024.
Along with Timothée Chalamet, the cast includes Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and Monica Barbaro.
Watch the trailer.
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