In Loving Memory of Aretha Franklin: 10 Unforgettable Quotes

Often referred to as the “Queen of soul,” Aretha Franklin was known for blending deep-rooted soul music with the gospel genre.

She created “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” but you may not know, she was also a renowned gospel singer.

Her career began as a child, singing gospel at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, where her father C.L. Franklin was a minister.

Aretha Franklin won 18 Grammys, and sold over 75 million records worldwide. Throughout her career, she was honored by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, UK Music Hall of Fame, GMA Gospel Music of Hall of Fame, and Rolling Stone magazine.

She will be greatly missed.

Here are 10 unforgettable quotes from Aretha Franklin:

“Being the Queen is not all about singing and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.”

“Women absolutely deserve respect.”

“Gospel goes with me wherever I go. Gospel is a constant with me.”

“People really don’t have to give you anything, so appreciate what people give you. And just don’t let that go to your head, whatever it is they give you.”

“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.”

“Sometimes, what you’re looking for is already there.”

“Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you’re doing. If you’re not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.”

“Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.”

“We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It’s our basic human right.”

“We didn’t have music videos. You weren’t an overnight sensation. You had to work at it and learn your craft: how to take care of your voice, how to pace your concerts, all that trial and error.”

10 Gospel songs by Aretha Franklin.

Sunrise March 25th, 1942 – Sunset August 16th, 2018