Aretha Franklin Biography, Photos and Posters

Aretha Franklin

Biography

Born: March 25, 1942
City and Country of Origin: Memphis, TN
Music Background: sang in church choir
Awards: Grammy 2005 Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, "A House Is Not A Home;" 2003 Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, "Wonderful;" 1988 Best Soul Gospel Performance, Female, "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism;" 1987 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, Aretha; 1987 Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me);" 1985 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, "Freeway Of Love;" 1981 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, "Hold On I'm Comin';" 1974 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing;" 1973 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, "Master Of Eyes;" 1972 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, "Young, Gifted And Black;" 1972 Best Soul Gospel Performance, "Amazing Grace;" 1971 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, "Bridge Over Troubled Water;" 1970 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, "Don't Play That Song;" 1969 Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female, "Share Your Love With Me;" 1968 Best R&B Performance, Female, "Chain Of Fools;" 1967 Best Rhythm & Blues Recording, "Respect;" Best R&B Solo Vocal Performance, Female, "Respect"
Top Recordings: "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)," "Spanish Harlem," "Respect," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Think," "The House That Jack Built," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Day Dreaming,"
Aretha Franklin Biography: Aretha Louise Franklin started singing, along with her sisters Carolyn and Erma, in the Detroit church of her father the Rev. C. L. Franklin during the 1950s. She made her first recording as a gospel singer at the age of 14. Although she was pursued by Motown records in the early days she was eventually signed to a recording contract with Columbia Records by the legendary John Hammond. She recorded with them through the first half of the decade of the 60s turning out occasional top 40 R&B hits, but never establishing herself as a star of the recording world. It wasn't until she left to sign with Atlantic Records that producer Jerry Wexler aimed at cultivating her most soulful traits. Her very first offering, "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)," recorded at Muscle Shoals, Alabama with esteemed Soutern R&B musicians was a hit. After that the same backup singers were used, but all of the recordings were made in New York City. As a result Aretha became one of America's foremost recording artists of the 60s with hits like "Respect," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Think," and "The House That Jack Built." During the 70s she continued to turn out top notch recordings with singles like "Spanish Harlem," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and "Day Dreaming." She also produced 2 of her most respected albums with Live at the Fillmore West and Amazing Grace. Since that period her career has tapered off just a bit, but she has remained one of the music industries most respected recording artists.

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