Aretha Franklin (1942–2018) Aretha Franklin, born in Memphis and raised in Detroit, was the “Queen of Soul,” one of America’s greatest vocalists blending gospel, R&B, and pop. Daughter of preacher C.L. Franklin, she began singing in church and signed with Columbia in 1960, but her Atlantic Records era (1967 onward) produced defining hits: “Respect” (No. 1, 1967, Otis Redding cover turned feminist anthem), “Chain of Fools,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “Rock Steady.” Her powerful voice, phrasing, and emotional depth earned 18 Grammys and over 75 million records sold. She performed at major events (Obama inauguration) and acted in films. Health issues (pancreatic cancer) led to her death on August 16, 2018, at 76. As of 2026, her legacy thrives: inducted into the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame (2026 class with Neil Young), ongoing streaming surges, tributes, and her official site promoting exclusives. Franklin’s influence on soul, empowerment, and modern artists (from Beyoncé to Adele) remains unmatched