Aretha Louise Franklin, born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist widely known as the "Queen of Soul." Her early exposure to gospel singing at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, where her father, C. L. Franklin, served as a minister, set the stage for her remarkable musical journey.

At the age of 18, Franklin signed with Columbia Records, initiating her career as a recording artist. However, it was her move to Atlantic Records in 1966 that catapulted her to stardom. Her soulful and powerful voice resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to acclaimed albums such as "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You," "Lady Soul," and "Amazing Grace."

Franklin's chart-topping success included 112 charted singles on the US Billboard charts, with hits like "Respect," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," and "Chain of Fools." She received numerous honors, including 18 Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1987, she made history as the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Her legacy extended globally, with inductions into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2012, and posthumously the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2020. In 2019, she was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for her significant contributions to American music and culture.

Aretha's early life was marked by her family's relocation to Detroit when she was five, her parents' troubled marriage, and her mother's passing when she was nine. Despite these challenges, she found solace and inspiration in gospel music, learning to play the piano by ear and singing solos at her father's church.

Her musical journey continued to evolve as she transitioned from gospel to pop music in the 1960s. Her Columbia Records years saw moderate success, but it was her collaboration with Atlantic Records that defined her soulful sound and earned her widespread recognition. The Atlantic years produced iconic hits like "Respect" and "Think," establishing Franklin as a vocal powerhouse and a symbol of the civil rights and feminist movements.

The 1970s brought more success, including the acclaimed gospel album "Amazing Grace." Despite challenges with record companies, Franklin's career thrived through the 1980s and beyond, with hits like "Freeway of Love" and "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" in collaboration with George Michael.

Franklin's influence reached beyond music, as she actively supported civil rights and women's rights. Her performances and anthems like "Respect" became symbols of social change. Her refusal to perform at President Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017 reflected her commitment to activism.

Despite health challenges, including surgery for a tumor in 2010, Franklin continued to perform until 2017. She passed away on August 16, 2018, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be celebrated through tributes, honors, and artistic portrayals in media.

Aretha Franklin's impact goes beyond her incredible vocal talent; she was a cultural icon, a symbol of empowerment, and a trailblazer in the music industry. Her life and career serve as an inspiration for generations to come.

Reference: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aretha_Franklin