Aretha Franklin

Welcome to Rock & Roll Flashback!  I'm Jumpin' John, and we'll be looking back at some of Rock and Roll's greatest artists, songs, and stories.  Today's podcast will discuss the life and illustrious career of the woman known as "The Queen of Soul":  Aretha Franklin!

Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee.  Her father, C. L. Franklin, was a Baptist minister and circuit preacher.  Her mother, Barbara, was an accomplished piano player and vocalist.  When Aretha was two, the family relocated to Buffalo, New York.  By the time Aretha turned five, C. L. Franklin had permanently relocated the family to Detroit, Michigan, where he was pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church.  Shortly afterward her parents separated, and her mother returned to Buffalo.  Aretha's mother would die of a heart attack in 1952, before Aretha's 10th birthday.   During this time, Aretha learned how to play piano by ear.  She attended public school in Detroit through her first year at Northern High School, but dropped out during her second year.  Aretha would end up being the mother of four sons, and she gave birth to her first child while only 12 years old.  

Aretha's father initially managed her early career, taking her on the road with him during his gospel caravan tours.  He helped her sign her first recording deal with J.V.B. Records.  In 1956, J.V.B. released fourteen-year-old Aretha's first single, "Never Grow Old", backed with "You Grow Closer".   During this time, Franklin would occasionally travel with the Soul Stirrers.  As a young gospel singer, Franklin spent summers on the gospel circuit in Chicago and stayed with Mavis Staples' family.  At the age of 16, Aretha went on tour with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Other influences in her youth included Mahalia Jackson, Marvin Gaye (who was a boyfriend of her sister), Ray Charles, and Sam Cooke.  Another important influence was James Cleveland, known at that time as

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All podcasts on the Rock and Roll Flashback Podcast are produced by brothers-in-law Bill Price and "Jumpin' John" McDermott. The Podcast Theme Song, "You Essay", was written by John, and the basic track was recorded by Bill and John on April 1, 2004.
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