Through out history women have struggled to be recognized as professional artist. Since medieval times, women have struggled to be taken seriously. From jazz to rhythm and blues, many African American women are well
known in the music industry. Aretha Franklin, a.k.a., the Queen of Soul is considered a legacy in Soul music. Her music represents her independence and struggle to fame. Aretha Franklin has been in the music business for more than 40 years. Since she has such experience in the industry, she is considered a knowledgeable mentor to others. Aretha Franklin is a true Diva with extraordinary talents.
Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 25, 1942. Her father was a Baptist minister and her mother was a gospel singer. When Aretha was 6, her mother left the family and never returned. Aretha and her siblings moved to Detroit to live with their father who was a pastor at a Baptist church. At a very young age, Aretha began singing gospel music in the choir of her father’s church. Within gospel music, she found a true passion. Aretha Franklin’s father, Reverend C.L. Franklins, was one of the first black ministers to have his own nationally broadcast radio show. Since Aretha’s father had such a high status, many well-known black artists, such as, Sam Cooke, Clara Ward, Mahalia Jackson, and Jackie Wilson, visited Aretha’s home. Clara Ward was one of her mentors, for she inspired Aretha to play the piano while singing. At the age of 12, Aretha sung her first solo song in her father’s church. This solo performance was one of the many stepping-stones that would lead to fame. When Aretha was 14, she traveled the country with her father’s revival tour. At that age she recorded and released “Songs of Faith”. The psych-social issue she faced at this time was to continue to sing in the church and serve God. Even though Aretha had such a talent in music and her father was a minister, she became pregnant at the age of 15. By the time she was 17 she had two sons while living in Detroit. Despite theses obstacles Aretha did not let anything stop her from singing.
via: yahoo.com
