Aretha

Explores the life of the artist who has won more Grammy Awards than any other female singer and who, along with her success in soul and gospel music, has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The definitive biography of the Queen of Soul from acclaimed music writer David Ritz, hailed by Rolling Stone as "a remarkably complex portrait of Aretha Franklin's music and her tumultuous life." Aretha Franklin began life as the golden daughter of a progressive and promiscuous Baptist preacher. Raised without her mother, she was a gospel prodigy who gave birth to two sons in her teens and left them and her native Detroit for New York, where she struggled to find her true voice. It was not until 1967, when a white Jewish producer insisted she return to her gospel-soul roots, that fame and fortune finally came via "Respect" and a rapidfire string of hits. She has evolved ever since, amidst personal tragedy, surprise Grammy performances, and career reinventions. Again and again, Aretha stubbornly finds a way to triumph over troubles, even as they continue to build. Her hold on the crown is tenacious, and in Respect, David Ritz gives us the definitive life of one of the greatest talents in all American culture. "Comprehensive and illuminating." --USA Today

Profiles the life and career of the "queen of soul," Aretha Franklin.

Introduce your littlest rocker to early concepts through the empowering words and look of Aretha Franklin in this fun and entertaining book that is perfect for the next generation of music lovers. Every Girl Deserves Respect! Strength. Love. Hope. Smarts. Celebrate the iconic Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, with little ones in this colorful, playful, and inspiring new board book in the Baby Rocker series. The theme of girl empowerment runs throughout this delightful and aspirational board book for rock and soul fans big and small.

From an award–winning journalist, an illustrated retrospective of Aretha Franklin, celebrating her life, music and legacy. Aretha Franklin’s voice was legendary, unforgettable: deeply rooted in gospel, yet versatile enough to brilliantly interpret R&B, rock, soul, pop, and jazz standards, it fueled a six-decade career. Her vocal wallop was a mix of preaching, rebuke, and elation. From the languorous “I Never Loved a Man (the Way That I Love You),” to the funky “Chain of Fools,” to the fiercely feminist “Think,” to the definitive, demanding version of Otis Redding’s “Respect,” Franklin’s songs played out against the tumultuous sociopolitical backdrop of the late ’60s like a soundtrack meant to set things right. Her accolades were many: she received the Kennedy Center honor in 1994, won 18 Grammys®, was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and performed for presidents and the Pope. Illustrated with 85 photos, and with insightful text from noted radio personality and author Meredith Ochs, Aretha explores the diva’s life, from her formative years growing up in Detroit, to her singing and recording career from the 1950s until her untimely death in 2018, to her numerous honors, awards, and causes, including her advocacy for civil rights and the arts.

A frank examination of Aretha Franklin, Mark Bego's definitive biography traces her career accomplishments from her beginnings as a twelve-year-old member of a church choir in the early 1950s, to recording her first album at the age of fourteen and signing a major recording contract at eighteen, right up through untimely passing in 2018. Originally positioned to become a gospel star in her father's Detroit church, Aretha had a privileged urban upbringing; ;stars such as Mahalia Jackson, Dinah Washington, and Sam Cooke regularly visited her father, Rev. C. L. Franklin. It wasn't long before she was creating a string of hits, from "Respect" to "Freeway of Love"; and becoming one of the most beloved singers of the twentieth century. This New York Times bestselling author's detailed research includes in-person interviews with record producers Jerry Wexler, Clyde Otis, and Clive Davis, Aretha's first husband, several of her singing star contemporaries, and a rare one-on-one session with Aretha herself. Every album, every accolade, and every heart-breaking personal drama is examined with clarity and neutrality, allowing Franklin's colorful story to unfold on its own. With two teenage pregnancies and an abusive first marriage, drinking problems, battles with her weight, the murder of her father, and tabloid wars, Aretha's life was a roller coaster. This freshly updated and expanded biography will give readers a clear understanding of what made Aretha Franklin the "Queen of Soul."

PEOPLE celebrates the peerless Aretha Franklin. In words and pictures, this special edition offers an in-depth look at Franklin's career, from singing in her father Rev. C.L. Franklin's Detroit church choir after her mother's early death, to finding chart success as she became a powerful voice for civil rights, to performing at three presidential inaugurations. The book includes chapters on Franklin's Amazing Grace, the best-selling gospel album of all time; her collaborations with Whitney Houston, George Michael, Lauryn Hill, and more; and the special connection she shared with President Barack Obama. Plus: a behind-the-scenes peek at the Aretha biopic, Respect, and an interview with its star, Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson.

Embark on a quizzical journey through musical majesty with "Aretha Franklin: MCQ Queen of Soul." Tailored for music enthusiasts and fans of soulful melodies, this MCQ book invites you to explore the life and unparalleled contributions of the legendary Queen of Soul. Download now to engage with entertaining Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering Aretha's iconic songs, her influence on the music industry, and the enduring legacy of her powerful voice. Elevate your knowledge of this musical icon, gain insights into the soul and rhythm of her era, and reinforce your understanding through interactive learning. Whether you're a music aficionado, a soulful melody lover, or someone looking to test their knowledge, this essential MCQ resource is your key to a quizzical exploration of Aretha Franklin's enduring legacy. Download today and sing through the questions that celebrate the brilliance of her musical reign!