The Heartbreaking True Story About Aretha Franklin

Summary

This video script chronicles the life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, highlighting her early beginnings in Memphis, Tennessee, her rise to stardom, and her personal challenges. It covers her childhood, the influence of her gospel roots, her tumultuous marriage, and her career milestones, including iconic hits like 'Respect.' Despite facing adversity, including domestic abuse and struggles with depression, Franklin's talent and activism made her a powerful voice for civil rights. Her legacy as a groundbreaking artist, humanitarian, and symbol of strength endures long after her passing in 2018.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 25, 1942, to Reverend C.L. Franklin and Barbara Siggers, and later moved to Detroit, Michigan.
• 😀 Franklin's early exposure to music came from her gospel-singer parents, and she joined the church choir as a toddler.
• 😀 At 14, Aretha Franklin released her first album, 'Songs of Faith: Aretha Gospel,' and already had two children by the age of 15.
• 😀 Aretha Franklin developed her signature style by playing music by ear and never learned to read sheet music.
• 😀 In 1960, Aretha Franklin was signed by Columbia Records, where she recorded ten albums but felt they did not truly reflect her style.
• 😀 Her breakthrough moment came in 1967 with the release of 'Respect,' which became an anthem for racial equality and women's empowerment.
• 😀 Franklin's marriage to Theodore 'Ted' White was troubled, with reports of abuse and conflict, but they had a child together before divorcing in 1970.
• 😀 Aretha Franklin switched to Atlantic Records in 1966 and recorded many hits, with 1967 marking the start of her 'golden era.'
• 😀 Franklin was also an activist, touring with Martin Luther King Jr. and supporting various causes, including offering to pay Angela Davis’s bail in 1970.
• 😀 Despite experiencing personal struggles like alcoholism and depression, Franklin remained a force in the music industry, earning ten Grammys by the end of the 1970s.
• 😀 Aretha Franklin's health declined in her later years due to pancreatic cancer, but she continued to remain creative and engaged in music until her death on August 16, 2018.

Q & A

What early influence did Aretha Franklin's family have on her musical career?

Aretha Franklin's family played a significant role in her musical development, particularly her parents, who were both talented gospel singers. Her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, was a Baptist preacher and exposed her to various musical figures and gospel music from an early age. Her mother, Barbara Siggers, was a skilled pianist, further immersing Franklin in a musical environment.

How did Aretha Franklin develop her musical style?

Aretha Franklin developed her unique musical style primarily by ear. She did not study music formally or read sheet music, which allowed her to develop a personal and signature style that she treasured. Her ability to play by ear became a defining feature of her music.

What was Aretha Franklin's first album, and how old was she when it was released?

Aretha Franklin's first album was 'Songs of Faith: Aretha Gospel,' which she released in 1956 at the age of 14.

How did Aretha Franklin's marriage to Theodore 'Ted' White affect her career?

Aretha Franklin's marriage to Ted White, who also worked as her manager, had a negative impact on her career at times. One notable incident occurred when they were banned from the Atlanta Hyatt Regency in 1967 due to a physical altercation between White and another hotel guest. There were also allegations of abuse, and their tumultuous relationship ultimately ended in divorce in 1970.

What was Aretha Franklin's breakthrough song, and why was it significant?

Aretha Franklin's breakthrough song was 'Respect,' released in 1967. The song transformed from a man's plea into a powerful demand for respect, which became a rallying cry during the civil rights and feminist movements. It was significant because it redefined the meaning of the song and solidified Franklin as a voice for social justice.

How did Aretha Franklin contribute to the civil rights movement?

Aretha Franklin was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement, performing benefit concerts for various causes and working closely with figures like Martin Luther King Jr. She was also an active supporter of Black freedom, offering to pay for Angela Davis's bail in 1970 after her arrest, highlighting her commitment to social justice.

What personal struggles did Aretha Franklin face throughout her career?

Aretha Franklin faced several personal struggles, including a difficult and abusive marriage to Ted White, battles with alcoholism, depression, and the pressure of constantly being in the public eye. These issues often took a toll on her well-being, but she continued to push forward with her music.

How did Aretha Franklin handle her mental health challenges?

Aretha Franklin struggled with depression and mental health issues throughout her career, with one notable episode in the 1970s when she was hospitalized for 'acute physical exhaustion.' She later pressured the media to frame the situation as physical exhaustion to protect her image, though those close to her, including her producer Jerry Wexler, knew it was related to her depression.

What notable awards and recognitions did Aretha Franklin receive during her career?

Aretha Franklin received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career, including 18 Grammys, three special Grammy Awards, and induction as the first woman into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. She also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 from President George W. Bush.

How did Aretha Franklin cope with her fear of flying?

Aretha Franklin developed a severe fear of flying after experiencing turbulent weather during a flight in the 1980s. As a result, she opted to travel by custom bus instead of flying, famously saying, 'I'm flying down the highway in my custom bus.'