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:
Elvis
Elvis, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks was released on 24th June 2022. The film follows Elvis Presley's life and career, and is directed by Baz Luhrmann.
Elton John - Rocketman
Hugely popular biopic Rocketman was released in May 2019, following Elton John's life from his humble beginnings through until the 1980's. He 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.
Click more to buy the DVD on Amazon.
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
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 only increased the popularity of Queen. The musical film was nominated for numerous awards. 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.
Click more to get the DVD on Amazon.
Alan McGee - Creation Stories
Released in 2021, Creation Stories tells the story of Alan McGee and 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.
Johnny Cash - Walk The Line
Walk The Line tells to 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 from 1975 and Cash: The Autobiography in 1997 and 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.
Click more to buy the DVD on Amazon.
24 Hour Party People
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, moves through the 1980s and into the 'Madchester' rave scene of the 1990s revolving around the famous Hacienda nightclub. The main character is Factory 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.
Click more to buy the DVD on Amazon.
Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter
Released in 1970, Gimme Shelter depicts the Rolling Stones' 1969 US tour. The tour famously culminated at the Altamont Free Concert, which ended disastrously. At the concert held in California, where the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club supplied security for the gig Mick Jagger was punched in the head as he got off his helicopter and a fight erupted in the crowd during the third song of the set, 'Sympathy for the Devil'. Sadly, 18-year-old concertgoer Meredith Hunter was killed by one of the Hells Angels when he tried to climb onstage.
Dreamgirls
Originally a Broadway musical, the film Dreamgirls was released in 2006, taking strong inspiration from the history of the Motown Records label and their top girl group The Supremes. The film stars huge names including Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and Danny Glover. The production received eight nominations at the 79th Academy Awards and took the top prize in two categories, Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Hudson and best Sound Mixing. It also won three Golden Globe Awards.
Click more to rent the film on Amazon Prime.
Aretha Franklin - Respect
Respect is music biopic released in 2021 about the life of one of the greatest American singers and civil rights activist, Aretha Franklin. Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls, portrayed the 'Respect' singer in the film.
Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody
A film about the incredible life and career of singer and actress Whitney Houston was released in December 2022. Actress Naomi Ackie portrayed Whitney in the biopic, which was a huge success upon its release in cinemas.
Bob Marley - One Love
A film about the life and career of reggae legend Bob Marley was released in February 2024, with actor Kingsley Ben-Adir playing the role of Bob Marley in the biopic. Other huge names that feature in the film include Lashana Lynch, Michael Gandolfini, James Norton and Tosin Cole.
Boy George - Coming soon
Although there is no confirmation on who will star in the film, we anticipate Boy George's biopic Karma Chameleon to be a huge hit with the Culture Club singer's army of loyal fans. The film, which will depict Boy George's life from growing up in an Irish working-class family to becoming a music star in the 1980s, was initially thought to be getting a 2023 release date, however thanks to the script being reportedly re-written, it has now been reported that creators are hoping to begin filming by the end of 2024.
Bob Dylan - Coming soon
Oscar nominated actor Timothée Chalamet is set to portray Bob Dylan in an upcoming biopic about the music icon. The film will portray the musicians life and career, including his switch from folk to rock music. Work on the film was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic but we cannot WAIT to see it!
The Bee Gees - Coming soon
The forthcoming Bee Gees biopic is yet to be given a name but the film will follow the lives of brother Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb from their humble beginnings in Manchester to their pop and Disco superstardom. Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the trio will serve as executive producer. The band were recently the subject of documentary 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart'.
Cher - Coming soon
Yes, that's right! Cher is getting her own musical biopic. Although no title has been confirmed, the film will portray the incredible life of the now 76-year-old. Cher has starred in a number of films herself, including most recently Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! featuring the music of ABBA.
Ronnie Spector - Coming soon
A film following The Ronette's rise to fame as well as lead singer Ronnie Spector's personal life is in the making. Although a release date has not been set, actress Zendaya has been chosen to play Ronnie.
Although the singer sadly passed away on 12th January 2022, she was an executive producer on the film and chose Zendaya for the role.
U2 series - Coming soon
A scripted series about U2 is in the early stages of development at Netflix. Director J.J. Abrams is attached to the series, as is Anthony McCarten who wrote the script for the Bohemian Rhapsody film.
Dolly Parton - In the works
Dolly Parton is working on the film adaption of her book Run, Rose, Run - which she will also star in - and is now in talks about making a musical film about her life.
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne - Coming soon
Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon will also be getting their very own biopic, focusing on a 20-year period of their lives. The film is currently untitled, having been first announced back in October 2021, and is set to feature Ozzy's music, with Sharon saying: "Our relationship at times was often wild, insane and dangerous but it was our undying love that kept us together. We're thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures and Polygram to bring our story to the screen." In 2024, Sharon also added that the film will be a tear-jerker.
Madonna - Put on hold
Madonna was working on a film about her life, and was co-writing and co-directing the biopic. Although Julie Garner was offered the lead role in June 2022, production of the film has been put on hold.
Madonna is going on her 'The Celebration Tour' across the world in 2023 and this is her focus, meaning she isn't able to work on her biopic and it has been put on pause.
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