The “Queen of Soul” has passed away, she made her transition on August 16, 2018. Ms. Franklin succumbed to cancer at her home surrounded by family and friends in Detroit. She was 76 years old.
Dubbed the “Queen of Soul” because of her strong Gospel roots and jazzy/blues style of singing. The “Lady of Soul” was born in Memphis, Tennessee and began singing solos at New Bethel Baptist Church. Her first worship song was “Jesus, Be a Fence Around Me.” By the age of 12 her father, the Rev C.L. Franklin began managing her career. They would go on gospel caravan tours to perform in various churches. She signed her first recording deal with J.V.B Records and released her first album in 1956 called “Songs Of Faith”. From there her singing career took off. Her career has expanded six decades!
Her world-wide chart stopping hits included many songs like “Respect”, ” Chain Of Fools”, “DayDreaming” and many many more…”. She received 42 Grammy Award nominations and won 18 Grammy Awards. Ms. Franklin had become one of the first females to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Aretha Franklin will be miss but her music and her legacy will live on forever! For more on Aretha Franklin http://arethafranklin.net/biography/