1942 - 2018
Aretha Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist, known as the "Queen of Soul." Born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, she gained fame for her powerful voice and hit songs such as "Respect," "Think," and "Natural Woman." Franklin's influence on music and culture earned her numerous awards, including 18 Grammy Awards, and she is remembered as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.