Profile
Famous as :
Soul and R&B singerBirth Name :
Aretha Louise FranklinBirth Date :
March 25, 1942Birth Place :
Memphis, TennesseeSpouse :
Ted White (1962 - 1969), Glynn Turman (actor, 11-Apr-78 - 1984)Claim to fame :
Single "Respect" from album "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" (1967)
Aretha Franklin Crowned the Queen on PETA's 2008 Worst-Dressed Celebrities List
February 21, 2008 10:02:02Was slammed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for her wardrobe choice at the recent Grammys, Aretha Franklin has been awarded with the title of Worst-Dressed Celebrity of 2008 by the animal rights organization. The so called queen of soul has been crowned the queen on PETA's 2008 Worst-Dressed Celebrities List.
PETA's vice president, Dan Matthews, lashed out at the legendary songstress after she was spotted sporting a fur coat at the Grammys back on February 10. "Music lovers may think of you as a 'queen,' but to animal lovers, you are a court jester," Matthews wrote in his letter to Aretha. "I'm sorry, Aretha, but your furs make you look like a clown."
Dad Defends Beyonce Knowles Against 'Ridiculous' Aretha Franklin
February 14, 2008 11:02:29Beyonce Knowles' father and manager, Matthew Knowles has something to say to Aretha Franklin when his daughter was blast over the word "queen". Matthew claimed that Aretha's comment for Beyonce referring Tina Turner as "the queen" is plain ridiculous.
Aretha, known as the 'Queen of Soul', criticized Beyonce for making an introduction to Tina at the 50th Grammys by saying "Stand on your feet and give it up for the queen." Aretha responded after the event, saying through her rep "I am not sure of whose toes I may have stepped on or whose ego I may have bruised between the Grammy writers and Beyonce. However, I dismissed it as a cheap shot for controversy."
Aretha Franklin Wants Beyonce Knowles to Know Who the 'Queen' Is
February 13, 2008 11:02:25Aretha Franklin was intimidated when Beyonce Knowles handed over her "Queen" title to Tina Turner. Knowles made an introduction to Turner who was making a stage comeback at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards by addressing her as "the queen", and Franklin who has long been known as the Queen of Soul is unhappy about that.
In a released statement through her publicist, Franklin stated "I am not sure of whose toes I may have stepped on or whose ego I may have bruised between the Grammy writers and Beyonce. However, I dismissed it as a cheap shot for controversy."
Nelly's Work Personally Requested by Aretha Franklin
December 14, 2007 04:12:31Aretha Franklin who is selected to be honored at 50th Annual Grammy Awards as part of MusiCares program, has personally requested for a fresh and funky version of her classics. And for that she nominated rapper Nelly and R'n'B singer Chris Brown.
"Some of the artists that I requested are evangelist Ruby Terry, and Chris Brown and Nelly," Franklin told Spinner.com. "Those are three of the people that I requested. I want Nelly to do anything he'd like to do that's up and funky."
Three Big Names Eyed for Aretha Franklin Biopic
December 11, 2007 03:12:52Picking up celebrated names in entertainment industry, Aretha Franklin reportedly is keen to have Oscar winners Jennifer Hudson and Halle Berry also "American Idol" winner from third season Fantasia Barrino to portray her in a film feature about her life.
The multiple Grammy Award-winning singer insists that the threesome have already been in the run for the part, but admitted that she still can't decide who is the most proper one to play it in the project.
Christina Aguilera Recording a Duet With Aretha Franklin
October 11, 2007 02:10:37
NME.com reported that Christina Aguilera is slated to record a duet with Aretha Franklin. If proven true, then their song will be included in Franklin's upcoming star-studded album 'Jewels in the Crown: All-Star Duets with the Queen'.
DJ Premier who worked with Aguilera on 'Back to Basics' confirmed the duet saying, "Christina got back at me because she's doing a duet with Aretha Franklin."
Stars Holding Dream Concert for "The King"
June 22, 2007 04:06:07
A number of stars such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Carlos Santana will appear for a charity show in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. They will raise money to aid the building of the late politician's memorials.
Other performers also playing their part in the event dubbed Dream Concert are Robin Thicke, Bebe and Cece Winans and Jessye Norman. For the host slot, "Today" show weatherman Al Roker will be joined by Ben Affleck, Shaquille O'Neal and LaDainian Tomlinson. The masterminds behind this event are actually Quincy Jones, Russell Simmons and Tommy Hilfiger.
Soul Legend Aretha Franklin Is to Marry for the Third Time
May 18, 2007 02:05:37
It's a wedding, again, for Aretha Franklin. The soul singer reportedly is about to wed longterm boyfriend Willie Wilkerson Jr.
The wedding speculation is in all probabilities inspired by the fact that Aretha was seen having wedding dress fittings in New York. She was spotted out shopping with her businessman fiance.
50th Annual Grammy Awards Shaping Up Early
May 09, 2007 04:05:32
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy has an early start to plan the special number. The organization President Neil Portnow appointed music producer and one of the fore founders Quincy Jones to shape up the prestigious event.
A yearlong ahead, arrangement has been made for the opening of Grammy museum in September 2008. The building that will hold the event's memorabilia will be opened across Staples Center, the venue for the 2008 music event. Also among the announcement is the live broadcast of the award night which is taken over by CBS on Feb 10. The nominees meanwhile, will start spilling on December 6.
Corinne Bailey Rae Came Close to Playing Aretha Franklin
May 07, 2007 02:05:08
Corinne Bailey Rae was about to take the role as young Aretha Franklin in "From These Roots" musical production when she failed to impress the diva. Rae stumbled down at the last stage when a screen test raised Aretha's 'doubt'.
"I almost cast her as one of the characters in my play and in the movie, but when I saw her on TV... well, her pictures look one way and when I saw her on TV she looked a little different so I don't think so," Aretha said.
"Aretha Franklin: From These Roots", Day One
May 03, 2007 03:05:06
About 70 people auditioned on Tuesday to show what they got in front of 7 judges whereby Aretha Franklin was one of them. In search for the right person playing Aretha at various ages and some people within the singer's circle of friends, some people did impress the panel of judges.
"I'm not hard on anybody. I'm just here to listen. I try to make them comfortable coming in the door," said Aretha during a break. The soul diva even found a man perfect enough to play Sam Cooke but refused to reveal details as she had two more days to land the choice. One contestant from Pasadena, Calif named Ciara Roberts, 25 also gave an electrifying performance and received praise from the judges.
Aretha Franklin Sets Criteria for "Aretha: From These Roots"
April 25, 2007 02:04:00
New qualification for Aretha Franklin's musical production "Aretha: From These Roots" have been revealed. As previously reported , there will be an audition in suburban Detroit from May 1-3 to search for the perfect performers playing Aretha and people surrounding her.
Some roles ready to be filled are Aretha's colleagues such as Sam Cooke, Dinah Washington, Smokey Robinson, pianist Art Tatum, suitor Ken Cunningham and also the diva's wardrobe mistress LaRue Mann. For Cunningham's role, Franklin's publicist specifically stated "slim, with a perfect set of teeth, cool and fun" while for Mann they want "sharp features, lots of personality and bubbly."
Aretha Franklin "From These Roots" Audition Coming to Town
March 14, 2007 02:03:54
Her big winning in various award events, including Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTA among others, makes it possible for Jennifer Hudson to be the next Aretha Franklin. Taking into account her "instant" success, the Dreamgirl is the one among names suggested for the role of the soul singer in a musical production based on her life.
Confirmed to Access Hollywood that she has already been approached by several studios who want to take her autobiography and put it on the big screen, Aretha is yet sure if Hudson is the one taking on her role, saying "Well, I don't know. I'm not sure. The producers want to know how I feel about it, about her playing myself. What I'd like to see is three different people playing myself."
Jay-Z Is Named One of the Inductors in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
March 03, 2007 03:03:51
Following the increasing list of people inducting for the Performers category in the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jay-Z, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, Rage Against the Machine's Zack de la Rocha and The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards are among some of the names jotted in.
The induction ceremony will go as Jay-Z inducts Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Vedder inducts R.E.M., Rocha inducts Patti Smith and then Richards for The Ronettes. Still, the ceremony is added with Velvet Revolver's performance, which is included due to Van Halen's withdrawal from the guests list.
Aretha Franklin Holds "From These Roots" Auditions
December 14, 2006 04:12:06
Aretha Franklin has announced plans to hold auditions for singers to portray her in a musical based on her 1999 autobiography, "Aretha: From These Roots".
The production, tells the R&B and gospel singer's story of growing up in Detroit in her father's church, her troubled first marriage and of having important family friends like Sam Cooke and Dinah Washington, will reportedly tour nationally.
Mary J. Blige and Aretha Franklin Do Duet for "Bobby"
November 08, 2006 04:11:24
Two soul divas, Mary J. Blige and Aretha Franklin, are teaming up for the soundtrack for the upcoming drama "Bobby", directed by Emilio Estevez.
For the planned-project, the twosome reportedly have recorded Bryan Adams' tune "Never Gonna Break My Faith."
Aretha Franklin, the First Female Artist to Receive Award of Excellence
August 02, 2006 01:08:03
The 64-year-old singer Aretha Franklin has been slated to receive the Award of Excellence from the United Negro College Fund, and thus becoming the first female artist ever to receive the honor.
Franklin is being honored for her work with the college fund to provide deserving students with access to higher education as well as for her activism and philanthropy on behalf of other causes.
A Sneak Peek on Fantasia Barrino's Upcoming LP
July 08, 2006 10:07:30
While the new American Idols are busy with their "American Idols Live!", the third season Idol Fantasia Barrino is in the recording studio preparing her upcoming LP.
As for her new album, Fantasia has it very special for she's collaborated with her American Idol, Aretha Franklin, for one of its tracks. "She's my idol, and I've always wanted to do something with her," Fantasia said while adding "Actually, she wanted to meet me when I was on the 'Idol' show and I was nervous and I didn't want to meet her, but I'm ready now. I'm better now, and it's an honor and a blessing to get to perform with such an awesome woman. She's a legend."
Stars Set to Perform at Next Month's Super Bowl
January 19, 2006 04:01:00Grammy Award-winning singer Aretha Franklin has been tapped to perform the US national anthem at next month's Super Bowl. The star will join New Orleans singer Aaron Neville and both are about to be accompanied at the national football championship by another veteran New Orleans musician, pianist Dr. John.
Commenting on the threesome collaboration, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said "The combination of all three should present a very memorable performance." Other stars set to join the already mentioned lineup among others are John Legend, Joss Stone, and Stevie Wonder, all of whom will perform the later singer's hits as part of the Super Bowl pre-game show, which will be broadcast live on ABC.
Queen of Soul Sharing Soul Food of New Orleans
October 24, 2005 11:10:34Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin held a lavish party at a hotel in Detroit, Michigan, last week October 21-22 for survivors of Hurricane Katrina. There are about 40 people from the hurricane-devastated Gulf Coast making their home at Hawthorn Suites in Southfield.
Thus, Franklin who lives in nearby Bloomfield Hills, says she wanted to do her part by hosting the night's party. "It's the right thing to do. Hopefully some of the other performers in town will follow suit," she remarks.
Aretha Franklin Wants to Take the Day Off
June 09, 2005 10:06:27Aretha Franklin wants to take the day off. No matter what she seems to really need the break so that she has to cancel her concert in North Carolina, for which she's been scheduled to go on stage this week in New Jersey.
Due to that fact, Franklin herself refused to reschedule the Cary show for August, instead of next year rescheduling. Commenting on the cancellation, House of Blues' vice president of Southeast concerts Jim Mallonee claimed Franklin's reason "...is just bizarre."
The Queen of Soul Revisits McDonald's Gospelfest
June 03, 2005 10:06:38The annual McDonald's Gospelfest competition, showcasing gospel talent ranging from choirs to dancers, is ready to welcome The Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. The beauty will not be competing, rather she will perform at the annual competition Friday, Saturday and Sunday at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Commenting on her slated appearance on the event, whose performers include gospel stars Donnie McClurkin, Vickie Winans and Cissy Houston, Aretha says "I'm just delighted to be invited and to sing gospel full-scale again. I always sing and listen to gospel anyway. But I had not sung it publicly at full length. That's what's going to be so exciting for me."
