Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklinis an American singer–songwriter and musician. Franklin began her career singing gospel at her father, minister C. L. Franklin's church as a child. In 1960, at the age of 18, Franklin embarked on a secular career, recording for Columbia Records but only achieving modest success. Following her signing to Atlantic Records in 1967, Franklin achieved commercial acclaim and success with songs such as "Respect", "A Natural Woman" and "Think". These hits and more helped her to gain the...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionSoul Singer
Date of Birth25 March 1942
CityMemphis, TN
CountryUnited States of America
I was in my dad's church, his Baptist church, and I think the first song I ever performed was 'Jesus Be a Fence Around Me.'
I've always felt that rock & roll was very, very wholesome.
Parents have to really talk to their children before they leave home.
Now, occasionally I will still have that quarter pounder because I love fast food, but you have to keep it to a minimum.
I'm the lady next door when I'm not on stage.
I love producing, writing. I rarely write with other writers unless I have a real great respect for them. Like Burt Bacharach, or Carole Sager, or Stevie Wonder. Somebody like Smokey - like that. Otherwise, I choose to write alone.
And I was booked once to go on 'Ed Sullivan' and I got bumped and ran out the back door crying.
My heart is still there in gospel music. It never left . . . I'm gonna make a gospel record and tell Jesus I cannot bear these burdens alone.
Gospel goes with me wherever I go. Gospel is a constant with me.
I sing to the realists; people who accept it like it is.
Clark Terry is an American Master. I love to listen to him, particularly 'Mumbles.' I was so delighted when we received degrees together, along with Edward Kennedy, at the New England Conservatory in 1997.
Call in the Caped Crusader, Green Hornet, Kato, too. I'm in so much trouble I don't know what to do.
You're a no good heartbreaker, you're a liar, and you're a cheat. I don't know why I let you do these things to me.
Politics are not my arena. Music is.