Aretha Franklin (the Queen of Soul) A Biography

Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, the fourth child of the Reverend C.L. Franklin and his wife, Barbara Franklin. Her father was appointed to head the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit and Aretha along with her siblings moved to Detroit with their father. By this time, her parents had separated due to her father's frequent philandering. Aretha and her siblings remained with their father, although Aretha has always insisted her mother did not abandon the children. Music and religion were a part of Aretha's natural heritage. Her father was a Baptist minister known for his golden voice. He became famous enough to have his sermons broadcast on the radio, which led to him organizing a traveling revival show. Young Aretha stood out in her father's choir. People noticed her voice immediately and she frequently sang solo. She also learned to play the piano by ear. At the age of 14, her solo renditions became a part of the nationwide recorded sermons and were heard by tens of thousands of listeners.