:: Respect - The Very Best Of

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee. The daughter to a Baptist Reverend, the church played a major role in the development of Ms Franklins gift for music. At eighteen years of age, Franklin’s talents had made her and star in the gospel music world and attracted the attention of Columbia Records. Six years and twelve albums after signing with Columbia records she had found little success. A move to Atlantic records in 1966 saw her become an instant star with the release of ‘I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Loved You)’ and ‘Do Right Woman-Do Right Man.’ By 1968 Aretha Franklin had been awarded her enduring title as ‘The Queen of Soul.’ In the disco era of the late ’70, Franklin struggled to produce chart hits. However, the ‘80 signalled a rejuvenated career where she achieved chart hits with duets with George Benson The Eurythmics, George Michael and Elton John. Her last hit was in ’98 with ‘A Rose Is Still A Rose’ written by Lauryn Hill. This 43 track, double album covers Aretha Franklin’s career from her first hit in the late 60’s to late 90’s. Featuring ‘Respect’, ‘A Natural Woman,’ ‘Chain of Fools’ and ‘People Get Ready,’ this is the definitive ‘Queen of Soul’ collection. This album beautifully showcases the distinctive and emotional charged voice of a woman who has been a cornerstone in soul music for more than three decades. The 61-year-old, fifteen-times Grammy recipient is set to release a brand new studio album in September and begins her last ever full-scale tour in June.