Aretha Franklin born of 25 March 1942 was an American songwriter, singer, pianist and an activist. She was popularly known as the “Queen of Soul”. Unfortunately, it was heart breaking for her fans when the got to know that she died on 16 August, 2018 due to pancreatic cancer.
Life before Music
Aretha Franklin was delivered at her home in Tennessee. Aretha Franklin learned to play piano at a very early age. She attended a public school in Detroit and her freshman year at Northern High School but dropped out of college. Athena’s father was popularly known as “Man with Million- Dollar voice” that inspired Athena to work harder for her career. She was a Christian and a Democrat.
Musical Journey
After the demise of her mother Athena began singing solos at the age of 12 and his father managed her. The father-daughter duo would go in churches to perform live. She signed her first recording deal with J.V.B. Records.
Her first single called “Never Grow Old” was a hit that lead to her another track “You Grow Closer” and after that there was no coming back. She won the hearts of every fan with titles like I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You , Lady Soul, Spirit in the Dark , Young, Gifted and Black, Amazing Grace, and Sparkle.
She has performed at many events and shows like in the White House, Nokia Theatres and MusiCares event. At the age of 18, she took a turn from sacred music to secular music. She was the first woman to get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
She is a recipient of many awards including Presidential Medal of Freedom, MusiCares Person of the Year, National Medal of Arts and Pulitzer Prize Special Citation.
Athena Franklin As Activist
She was involved in the struggle of Women’s rights and civil rights. She donated huge sums of money to the Civil Rights and performed at protests and tours to support the masses. She was also a strong supporter of the native American rights. She has been a support in numerous movements that supported Native American and First Nation cultural rights.
She died in 2018 due to pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. Many politicians, people from Entertainment and US President Barack Obama came forward and paid tribute to the lady. She was cremated at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.
Stay connected with Eve Donus Film for more latest updates.
