5 Surprising Facts about Aretha Franklin You Didn’t Know
Aretha Franklin, also known as the Queen of Soul, is one of the most iconic singers of all time. Her voice was unmatched, and her music inspired generations. While many people are familiar with her most popular songs, such as ‘Respect’ and ‘Natural Woman,’ here are five surprising facts about Aretha Franklin that you probably didn’t know.
1. Aretha Franklin was considered a child prodigy
Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1942, and her family moved to Detroit when she was just a child. Her father, Clarence LaVaughn Franklin, was a Baptist minister and a well-known gospel singer. Aretha started singing in her father’s church when she was just six years old and became a regular performer by the age of ten.
2. She was a civil rights activist
Aretha Franklin was not just a talented musician; she was also passionate about civil rights. She was a close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and became an active participant in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. She even offered her home as a meeting place for civil rights leaders.
3. She had a fear of flying
Despite her fame and success, Aretha Franklin had a fear of flying and preferred to travel by bus whenever possible. This fear stemmed from a particularly bad experience she had when she was a child, where her father’s plane experienced mechanical failure mid-flight.
4. Aretha Franklin was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Aretha Franklin was a trailblazer in many regards, but in 1987, she made history when she became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was honored for her contributions to the music industry and her impact on rock and roll.
5. She was a self-taught pianist
Aretha Franklin was not just a singer; she was also a talented pianist. But surprisingly, she didn’t receive any formal training. Instead, she learned how to play by ear and was able to teach herself how to play the piano. Her unique style of playing and singing at the same time was one of the things that made her stand out as a musician.
In conclusion, Aretha Franklin was much more than just a talented musician. She was a child prodigy, a civil rights activist, a trailblazer, and a self-taught pianist. Her music and legacy continue to inspire people around the world, and these surprising facts about her only add to her legendary status.
