Skip to Main Content

Black Lives, Black History: Aretha Franklin

Guide to research and resources for African American History.

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) was known as the "Queen of Soul." She was one of the greatest American singers known for her gospel, blues style of singing and the powerful messages for social change. During her career Franklin received 18 Grammy awards, a lifetime achievement award, had 88 Billboard chart hits, and was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Links

Achievements

  • 1968 - R&B Performance - RESPECT
  • 1968 - Female R&B Performance - RESPECT
  • 1969 - Female R&B Performance - CHAIN OF FOOLS
  • 1970 - Female R&B Performance - SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH ME
  • 1971 - Female R&B Performance - DON'T PLAY THAT SONG
  • 1972 - Female R&B Performance - BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER
  • 1973 - Soul Gospel Performance - AMAZING GRACE
  • 1973 - Female R&B Performance - YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK
  • 1974 - Female R&B Performance - MASTER OF EYES
  • 1975 - Female R&B Performance - AIN'T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING
  • 1982 - Female R&B Performance - HOLD ON, I'M COMIN'
  • 1986 - Female R&B Performance - FREEWAY OF LOVE
  • 1987 - Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • 1988 - R&B Performance by a Duo - I KNEW YOU WERE WAITING
  • 1988 - Female R&B Performance - ARETHA
  • 1989 - Soul Gospel Performance - ONE LORD, ONE FAITH
  • 1992 Legend
  • 1994 Lifetime Achievement
  • 1994 Kennedy Center Honors Award
  • 1998 Hall of Fame - RESPECT
  • 1999 Hall of Fame - AMAZING GRACE
  • 1999 Hall of Fame - YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE A NATURAL WOMAN
  • 2001 Hall of Fame - CHAIN OF FOOLS
  • 2004 - Traditional R&B Performance - WONDERFUL
  • 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • 2006 - Traditional R&B Performance - A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME
  • 2008 - Gospel/Contemporary Christian - NEVER GONNA BREAK MY FAITH
  • 2009 Hall of Fame - I NEVER LOVED A MAN THE WAY I LOVED YOU

Books/eBooks