Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin, 1968
Aretha Franklin (born March 25, 1942, died August 16, 2018) was an American singer who was a pioneer of music, and defined the golden age of soul in the 1960s. Her mother was a gospel singer, and her father was a minister, allowing Aretha to perform gospel programs around the country as a young teenager. At age 18, she began recording secular music. While stunningly taleneted, she intially struggled to reach audiences until her 1967 single “I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You)” became her first million-seller. Success continued to follow with her albums "Aretha Arrives" (1967) and "Soul '69" (1969), to name a few. She was a highly awarded artist: receiving a Hollywood Star in 1979, being the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, a Kennedy Center Honor in 1994, a National Medal of Arts in 1999, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. Aretha was a dedicated activist, using her platform to promote civil and women's rights, often covering payroll for activist groups, and performing at various benefits. Aretha Franklin was a pioneer in music for Black women, an icon in soul music, and had a major impact on social justice. Her legacy has and will continue to impact the world of music and the arts.
In celebration for our Picnic theme this year and Aretha Franklin’s impact on music, the MSO has selected our top 5 Aretha Franklin songs:
Chain of Fools
Aretha Franklin’s soulful lyrics and the high rock tempo provide the perfect storm for this R&B classic about being unable to leave an unfaithful lover.
I say a Little Prayer
Already an iconic Dionne Warwick song, Aretha’s version is a transformative version that stands out as not only a classic for her music, but considered one of the top 500 songs of all time, according to Rolling Stones.
Respect
While the original song was written by Otis Redding, Aretha’s cover is a staple of music and pop culture. Her version revamps the original song into a strong declaration from a confident woman that she deserves respect from her man. Show some R ● E● S ● P ● E ● C ● T!
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
A legendary song from a legendary performer, which is the expression of finding someone who makes you feel like you can be yourself.
Think
Allegedly written about Franklin’s troubled marriage to Ted White, the song rapidly became a protest song for civil rights and women’s liberation movements, and is known today as a feminist anthem.
Listen to our picnic playlist!
Listen to Aretha’s Legacy Live!
Come hear your favorite Aretha Franklin hits this September 9th at the E. & J. Gallo Winery Grounds!
Learn more about Aretha Franklin (Reference):A&E Networks Television. (2021, September 15). Aretha Franklin. Biography.com. https://www.biography.com/musicians/aretha-franklinEncyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2023, July 12). Aretha Franklin. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aretha-Franklin
Peterson, K. (2023, June 2). 17 best Aretha Franklin songs: The queen of soul’s greatest. Music In Minnesota. https://www.musicinminnesota.com/aretha-franklin-songs/
