Queen of Soul: the Life and Legacy of Aretha Franklin

Known to many as a mother, singer, pianist and inspiration, Aretha Franklin was a leading force in the media industry throughout the mid- late 20th century. With a background in gospel, she used her influence as a secular artist to bring the two genres together and reach a broad audience ranging from young adults to older individuals. Aretha Franklin, as shown in the essay, continuously overcame obstacles while being a prominent figure in the black power and feminism movement. Having received an abundance of awards and recognitions, and through her leadership and intellectual characteristics, she was labeled as the “Queen of Soul”. Decades later, she still carries this title. “Being the queen is not all about singing…It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.” 

In 1942 in Memphis Tennessee, a child prodigy was born. Daughter of Baptist preacher and civil rights activist, Reverend Clarence Franklin and gospel singer Barbara Siggers Franklin, Aretha Franklin became a force to be reckoned with at a very young age. Although Aretha was one of five children, many individuals recognized her talents and encouraged her to perfect her craft. After Barbara Franklin passed away while Aretha was 10, Reverend Clarence Franklin and his family relocated to Detroit Michigan. Rev. Franklin then became a nationally recognized pastor at New Bethel Baptist Church. Soon after they relocated, Aretha began to practice her talents in front of her father’s congregation. At the young age of 14, she began her official singing career after recording her first songs at New Bethel Baptist Church; the songs were released in 1956 under the album “Songs of Faith”. Aretha continued to further her career as a child-prodigy by going on tour with her father’s traveling revival show. While on tour, she worked with and gained inspiration from prominent gospel artists like Clara Ward, Sam Cooke and Mahalia Jackson. As an adolescent being brought up in an abnormal environment, Aretha became exposed to adult behaviors; at the age of 14, she had her first son. Although this was an obstacle, Aretha continued to prevail, nevertheless.

Aretha Franklin was a leading figure in the media industry due to her large number of awards, recognitions, and how her leadership and intellectual characteristics helped contribute to her impact on mass media. Earning over 44 Grammy nominations and receiving Grammy Awards, Aretha Franklin paved the way to success for African American female artist that followed in her footsteps. Beginning at a young age, she broke barriers that made it easier for women to get more involved in the media industry, especially the music sector. In an industry that was male dominated, Aretha bypassed top artist on the billboards with hits like “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”. The “Queen of Soul” was one of the first artist who sung on television and performed to the masses; this was a new concept due to the TV industry being at its beginning stages. Not only was she able to excel in R&B, but also in gospel, pop music and rock. Her versatile musical outreach allowed her to influence artist like Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan. Due to Aretha’s tenacity and dedication to her craft, she was able to earn many recognitions like the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President George W. Bush; a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame; was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; awarded NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame and received the Apollo Theater Legends Walk of Fame.

“I’ve been around long enough for people to know who I am and what my contributions are. They know me as more than just an artist. I think they know me as a woman as well”. Aretha Franklin was a pioneering African America woman in the media industry by influencing media culture and consumption. She was the very first artist to bridge spiritual and secular music during the 20th century. Aretha accomplished this by incorporating gospel arrangements and rhythms into her secular songs. She also influenced other platforms in media by being the first black woman on the cover of TIME magazine; this was the starting point of other African American woman being recognized on large platforms due to their success. Growing up in a time where the Feminism and Civil Rights Movement was at it’s all time high, Aretha began to integrate cultural problems into her music. Songs like ‘Respect” allowed her to unite individuals being affected by the problems and show her support for injustice taking place across the country. “Respect” was a leading anthem for these movements because it emphasized that no matter what the color of your skin is, no matter where you are from and no matter your occupation, everyone deserves respect. “It [reflected] the need of a nation, the need of the average man and woman in the street, the businessman, the mother, the fireman, the teacher, everyone wanted respect”. Aretha’s global perspective, problem solving mentality, passion for her craft and open-mindedness is what allowed her to make a large impact in the African American community. Not only did she care about being an influence in the music industry, but also showcasing her support for problems occurring in the world. These traits are what set her apart from many artists during the 20th century.

On August 16, 2018, at the age of 76, Aretha Franklin passed away from pancreatic cancer in her Detroit home. Even a year after her death, Aretha continues to carry the legacy that began decades ago. I believe that Aretha did a phenomenal job in the media industry, especially the music sector. She dominated the charts with hits like “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man”, “Rock Steady”, “Day Dreaming” and “Until You Come Back to Me”. Many of her songs have a lasting imprint on black culture; I’ve grown up listening to many of her music at family gatherings, parties, and being played by my parents. I am a fan of Aretha Franklin because she was able to seamlessly incorporate her gospel background into her music style all while making music that appealed to individuals who came from different backgrounds. All these characteristics show how versatile of an artist Aretha Franklin was and why she continues to leave her legacy till this day.

Overall Aretha Franklin, also known as the “Queen of Soul” left a lasting imprint on the media industry that helped evolved the music culture during the mid-late 20th century. Her notable accomplishments like her Grammy awards, Hall of Fame awards and label as a symbol of black empowerment, further emphasizes her impact as one of the very first African American female artists. Aretha’s leadership and intellectual traits helped her to reach more individuals through her music outlet because she put an emphasis on and incorporated problems that were affecting her music audience. Due to her hard work while alive, Aretha will continue to leave a legacy and lasting imprint on the media industry and black culture.