*ABOUT THE SUBJECT* Aretha Louise Franklin was born in Memphis in 1942. Landing in Detroit, she became a musical prodigy under the guidance of her father - the Reverend C. L. Franklin. Aretha signed a major recording contract with Columbia Records at age 18. After six years and ten studio albums, she had yet to break-out in the music industry. In 1967, Aretha Franklin moved to Atlantic Records and became the hottest singer in the music business. It was at Atlantic that she became THE QUEEN OF SOUL! Through health problems, family deaths, and personal catastrophes, Aretha Franklin valiantly worked the road, singing in venues throughout the United States and Canada. She remains a living legend and one of - if not the - greatest voice(s) to come out of the Twentieth Century. *ABOUT THE AUTHOR* Mark Watson - often referred to as The Motor City Music Historian - is a musicologist, freelance journalist, and music critic with several decades of involvement in entertainment. He holds numerous degrees and certifications. Currently based in the Metropolitan Detroit area, he has also spent abundant time in Florida, Arizona, and California.

Aretha Franklin was a legendary singer and activist. Her music helped shape the civil rights movement and inspired many people. Aretha Franklin: Legendary Singer explores her life and legacy. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Core Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

*Includes pictures *Includes Aretha's quotes *Includes a bibliography for further reading *Includes a table of contents "Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well." - Aretha Franklin A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history's most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors' American Legends series, readers can get caught up to speed on the lives of America's most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. A certain inevitability characterizes the rise to fame of Aretha Franklin. Indeed, while it is true that neither of her parents were pop singers, they were each talented vocalists-Aretha's father, C.L., was a particularly famous preacher, with a voice so melodic that his sermons effectively doubled as musical performances. Moreover, in an age in which economic opportunities were particularly limited for African-Americans, Aretha was fortunate enough to grow up in a household of relative comfort. Not only was she exposed to music on a daily basis in her household, but her father was a savvy enough businessman to orchestrate her career during its nascent stages, helping her navigate the challenges of entering the music industry. To be certain, in many respects, Aretha Franklin was from an early age the beneficiary of opportunities that are simply unavailable to most aspiring vocalists. At the same time, it is also clear that in quite obvious ways, Aretha Franklin diverted from her parents and, indeed, important aspects of her racial and cultural heritage. Where her father's musical performances were directly related to his faith, Aretha was a pop singer rather than a gospel one. Her musical style was heavily influenced by the musical traditions of gospel, but she also incorporated aspects of rock and other more popular idioms, an important decision that granted her a far wider audience than she could otherwise have hoped to acquire. As much as Franklin's family upbringing prepared her for a career as a vocalist, her decision to break away from the musical tradition that defined her youth also positions her as something of a maverick. Further, while she certainly enjoyed a far greater audience than her father, this also carried its own challenges in a tumultuous era that saw first the Civil Rights Movement and then Second Wave Feminism. More than just someone who was prepared for success from an early age, Aretha Franklin became very much her own person, a socially- and politically-committed individual invested in promoting social change. American Legends: The Life of Aretha Franklin looks at the life and career of one of America's most influential musicians. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about Aretha Franklin like never before, in no time at all.

Reflections on the life of Aretha Franklin captured in exclusive photographs by her friend, photojournalist Linda Solomon. "Aretha was private. I respected this and she trusted me." Linda Solomon met Aretha Franklin in 1983 when she was just beginning her career as a photojournalist and newspaper columnist. Franklin's brother and business manager arranged for Solomon to capture the singer's major career events—just as she was coming back home to Detroit from California—while Franklin requested that Solomon document everything else. Everything. And she did just that. What developed over these years of photographing birthday and Christmas parties in her home, annual celebrity galas, private backstage moments during national awards ceremonies, photo shoots with the iconic pink Cadillac, and more was a friendship between two women who grew to enjoy and respect one another. The Queen Next Door: Aretha Franklin, An Intimate Portrait is a book full of firsts as Solomon was invited not only to capture historical events in Aretha's music career showcasing Detroit but to join in with the Franklin family's most intimate and cherished moments in her beloved hometown. From performance rehearsals with James Brown to off-camera shenanigans while filming a music video with the Rolling Stones, from her first television special to her first time performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, to her last performance with her sisters at her father's church and her son's college graduation celebration. In the book's afterword, Sabrina Vonne' Owens, Franklin's niece, honors her aunt, a woman who was an overwhelming supporter of civil rights, women's rights, and fundraising campaigns that helped to benefit her hometown. There was a time in her career—when Franklin was more in demand than ever before—when she insisted that if someone wanted her to perform, they had to come to Detroit. During this time all of her major concerts, national television specials, music videos, and commercials would happen in Detroit. Aretha Franklin showed her respect for the people in the city who championed her from the very beginning when she started singing as a young girl in the church choir. Franklin used to say, "I am the lady next door when I am not on stage." The Queen Next Dooroffers fans a personal and unseen look at an extraordinary woman in her most natural moments—both regal and intimate—and highlights her devotion to her family and her hometown Detroit—"forever and ever."

Author Silvia Anne Sheafer relates the entertaining life and career of this legend of soul music, from her childhood in Detroit, through her struggles with personal heartache and racial prejudice, to her continued success as a major force in the music industry. Crowned the "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin has won fifteen Grammy Awards, and has also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

"Respect: The Life and Legacy of Aretha Franklin" Step into the extraordinary world of the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, in this captivating historical fiction novel. From her humble beginnings in Detroit to her meteoric rise to fame, "Respect" unveils the remarkable journey of a musical prodigy who defied all odds to become an icon. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the 1960s as Aretha's powerful voice becomes the anthem of a generation seeking change. Explore the intimate struggles and triumphs that shaped her soulful sound, from her roots in gospel music to her groundbreaking hits like "Respect" and "Think," which not only topped the charts but also inspired a movement during the Civil Rights era. But behind the spotlight, discover the personal battles that Aretha faced-the heartbreaks, the sacrifices, and the challenges that tested her resilience. Witness her reinvention as she navigates different genres and collaborates with contemporary artists, leaving an indelible mark on music history. "Respect" delves into the depth of Aretha Franklin's legacy, exploring her impact on future generations of musicians and her unyielding dedication to empowering women and the African American community. Journey alongside her as she confronts personal demons, finds solace in her art, and continues to inspire even in the face of adversity. With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, this novel pays tribute to a true musical icon, celebrating Aretha Franklin's unwavering spirit, her enduring voice, and the profound influence she will forever hold in our hearts. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and captivated by the incredible life and legacy of Aretha Franklin in "Respect."

Aretha Franklin was blessed with one of the greatest voices in all of popular music. She sang from the age of eight, and performed professionally from the age of fourteen. Her talent, which many described simply as God-given, seemed sufficient to ensure her a life of comfort and ease. In spite of earning large sums of money and having millions of adoring fans, Franklin experienced powerful insecurity. Nonetheless, the "Queen of Soul" persevered and became one of the legendary talents of her generation. With this fact-filled biography, readers will be able to celebrate this extraordinary artist by learning all about her fascinating life and career.