Checkerboard Biographies: Aretha Franklin

Checkerboard Biographies: Aretha Franklin — page 3
CHAPTER 1 QUEEN OF SOUL THE Aretha Franklin was a singer pianist and civil rights activist She was known for her emotional singing Her talent led many to call her the Queen of Soul Franklin’s career lasted 60 years She released more than 40 albums She started as a gospel singer But she became famous in the 1960s for secular soul music Many of her hit songs are now considered classics In later years she continued to give performances that brought audiences to their feet Franklin earned many awards and honors over her long career But Franklin also faced tragedy in her life including the deaths of relatives Music kept Franklin going through tough times Franklin spent her childhood surrounded by music Her parents were friends with the greatest singers of their age Franklin grew up learning from legends One day she would become one herself 4