Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin has been called the Queen of Soul, “Lady Soul”, and more affectionate names like “Sister Re.” In any case, she is an American gospel, soul and R&B icon. She is renowned for her soul and R&B recordings but is also adept at jazz, rock, blues, pop, gospel, and even opera, and is regarded as one of the top vocalists ever. As Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegum observed, “She is blessed with an extraordinary combination of remarkable urban sophistication and of the deep blues feeling that comes from the Delta. The result is maybe the greatest singer of out time.” She was born in Memphis in 1942 and grew up in Detroit, where her father, the famous Rev. C. L. Franklin, was pastor at the New Bethel Baptist Church. She began singing in church at an early age and was signed to her first record deal at age 14. After six years at Columbia Records, she joined Atlantic in 1966, helping to usher in an era of fresh, forthcoming soul music. “Respect”, her second single with the label became #1 on the Billboard Top 100 chart a year later. Of her many hit singles, 17 have peaked within the Billboard Top 10 list. In 1987, she teamed-up with George Michael for the #1 hit “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” which helped propel her come-back career. She also appeared in cameo roles in several motion pictures including The Blues Brothers (the 1980 and 1998 versions). She won her 18th Grammy for her song “Wonderful” in 2004 and has penned many recent tunes. She became an inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and has received a life-time achievement Grammy. And one more thing, I don't think "Sister Re" could not have a bigger fan me. Her website is: http://www.sodamnhappy.com/