Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
Aretha Franklin
References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin sings on stage at a microphone, wearing a white dress with red floral patterns, during a performance at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago. Aretha Franklin in a sleeveless gown plays piano and sings into a microphone onstage at Madison Square Garden in 1968. Aretha Franklin sits at a piano singing, with Jerry Jemmott on bass guitar and Duane Allman on electric guitar during a 1969 recording session at Atlantic Studios. Aretha Franklin, 1973 Aretha Franklin smiles and sings into a microphone on stage, wearing a sparkling dress with thin straps and hoop earrings, against a dark background with red lights. Aretha Franklin stands at a microphone with both arms raised while singing to an audience at the 1992 Democratic National Convention in Madison Square Garden, New York. Aretha Franklin sings on stage in a white gown with dramatic ruffled sleeves, backed by an orchestra and band, at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library opening celebration. Aretha Franklin wearing a shimmering bronze dress and sheer shawl, smiling as she arrives at the Tony Awards in New York City.
Aretha Franklin's Career and Janis Joplin's Porsche at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
At a Glance
default image
Aretha Franklin summary
Quizzes
USA 2006 - 78th Annual Academy Awards. Closeup of giant Oscar statue at the entrance of the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, film movie hollywood
Pop Culture Quiz
Related Questions
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Britannica Websites
Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.
The Queen of Soul
The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin performing in January 1993 in Washington, D.C., at the preinaugural festivities for Bill Clinton.

Aretha Franklin

American singer
Also known as: Aretha Louise Franklin, Queen of Soul
Written by
David Ritz
Freelance writer. Coauthor of Brother Ray: Ray Charles' Own Story andRhythm and the Blues: A Life in American Music.
David Ritz
Fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
Last updated
•History

Aretha Franklin (born March 25, 1942, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.—died August 16, 2018, Detroit, Michigan) was an American singer who defined the golden age of soul music of the 1960s. Considered one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century, Franklin possessed a formidable gospel-trained voice that she used to command a range of music styles, including jazz, blues, pop, rhythm and blues (R&B), rock, and even opera. Her hits include anthems of the ’60s such...

Discover the world with Britannica

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Free Trial | No Ads | Exclusive Content
Explore Subscriptions
DNA
Right
Mobile