Aretha

Aretha Franklin (Aretha Louise Franklin, March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she grew up in a family of gospel singers; her father, C. L. Franklin, was a prominent Baptist preacher. She began performing in her father's church as a child and recorded early material with Columbia Records in 1960. A breakthrough followed after signing with Atlantic Records in 1967, where her blend of soul, R&B, and gospel established her as a leading artist.

Her recordings include "Respect" (1967), "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (1967), "Think" (1968), and "I Say a Little Prayer" (1967–68). "Respect" became an anthem for the civil rights and feminist movements and helped redefine the role of female vocalists in popular music. She released a string of hit albums and singles during the late 1960s and 1970s and remained active in recording and live performances for decades.

Franklin earned 18 Grammy Awards among other honors and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. She received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1998 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential vocalists in 20th-century popular music. Franklin died in Detroit on August 16, 2018, leaving a lasting impact on soul, gospel, and American culture.