aretha

 

“Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I’m using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I’m happy with that.” This was once said by the famous Aretha Franklin. Today (March 25), Aretha Franklin is celebrating her 72nd birthday.

 

Born on this day in 1942, Ms. Franklin began her singing as a child singing gospel at her father’s church. From there she only experienced bigger and better things and opportunities. Ms. Franklin brought a lot to the music game, she impacted several genres such as, R&B and Soul, Pop and even Rock & Roll. She was the first women inducted in the Rock & Roll hall of fame. Franklin was also known for mixing the R&B and Gospel genres.

 

In many of her songs, it’s noticeable how she included her gospels roots in her R&B and Soul music. Artists like Alicia Keys, Mary Mary, Beyonce, Fantasia, Ledisi and many more looks up to Aretha and her musical legacy. Aretha accomplished so much in 72 years and should be given r-e-s-p-e-c-t on her birthday.

 

 

 

By LaQuesha Williams, contributing intern for STACKS Magazine