Aretha Louise Franklin (/ əˈriːθə / ə-REE-thə; March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Feb 20, 2025 · Aretha Franklin, known as the "Queen of Soul," was a gifted singer and pianist who rose to fame through her powerful voice and emotional depth. Born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, … Welcome to the official site of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Learn more about exclusive limited-edition releases, legacy news, community events, and more. To call Aretha Franklin one of the supreme singers of all time feels like an understatement. For most of her life, she wasn’t simply the... Aretha Louise LaTundra Franklin (March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) was an American soul, R&B, and gospel singer born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised in Detroit, Michigan.