David Ritz

The definitive biography of the Queen of Soul from acclaimed music writer David Ritz. 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.

The Life of Aretha Franklin

Respect

Andrew Louis

A must-read for fans but objectively, not a five-star biography.

Andrew Marti

Aretha Franklin’s brother Cecil describes her in the book: “[Aretha] is not a simple woman. She's a genius, and geniuses are plagued by their talent. Their talent takes over their lives and overwhelms everything else...her genius gave her a sensitivity and vulnerability ordinary people can't understand. She feels too much. She feels too deeply. She can be hurt too easily."

This fascinating book covers the genius and the vulnerability of the Queen of Soul. The genius of her work is wide and deep. The vulnerability, which includes her fears, her tantrums, and her mistakes, are numerous. 

Before this book, I was appreciative of Ms. Franklin’s genius, but only superficially. David Ritz, the author, takes you on a deeper tour into her work. I would recommend having a Spotify account nearby. It’s a necessity to jump from recording to recording, as Mr. Ritz describes the origins of these songs. You must listen to “Skylark” as Ritz describes her refined, highly orchestrated, yet underachieving years at Columbia Records. You must listen to the legendary recordings at Atlantic produced by Jerry Wexler (listen “Think”, “Gentle on My Mind”, “When the Battle is Over”). The story of her “Amazing Grace” live recording is fascinating, and a must listen. The story of “Sparkle” - her collaboration with Curtis Mayfield - is amazing. You can also sample the forgettable, synthetic pop songs from her years at Arista Records, as she struggles to stay relevant.

The span of her work is amazing. Her genius label is well earned. 

As Ms. Franklin gets older, however, you also see her turn inward. Her paranoia increases. She pushes away producers, managers, and family. She squanders opportunities to maintain quality work. She squanders incredible amounts of money. Her diva reputation expands, as does her weight.

It’s natural to think that we were denied even more genius work as a result of Ms. Franklin's idiosyncrasies. That’s incorrect. Instead, her paranoia comes directly from her vulnerability. And, as Ritz illustrates very well, that vulnerability is the source of all her genius. Without the vulnerability, there is no genius.

Respect The Life of Aretha Franklin

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