Gayle 1
Rhianna Gayle
Prof. Frank
Speech 101
March 11, 2025
Aretha Franklin biography
General Purpose: To inorm
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about Aretha Franklin, who she was and how
her sound has impacted us today.
Introduction
Today, I will introduce you to Aretha Franklin, the legendary “Queen of Soul” known for
iconic songs like “Respect,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and ”(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural
Woman.” I will share who she was, how she rose to fame, and the lasting legacy she has left be-
hind. Aretha Franklin was born in 1942 in Memphis Tennessee, and later rose to fame in Detroit
Michigan. She began her career with Columbia records but gained mainstream success after
signing with Atlantic Records. Aretha Franklin left a legacy as a civil rights activist and her
unique sound blending gospel, jazz R&B and soul.
Aretha Franklin’s influence continues to build in todays modern music her unique blend
of jazz, R&B, gospel, and soul created a path for known artists such as Alicia Keys, Adele,
Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, and Mariah Carey. Without her contributions, music would lack
the powerful vocal styles that define soul, R&B, and pop today.
Gayle 2
Works Cited
“Aretha Franklin.” Academy of Achievement, 9 May 2022, achievement.org/achiever/
aretha-franklin/.
“Aretha Franklin.” Hancock Institute of Jazz, 4 Sept. 2018, hancockinstitute.org/meet/
aretha-franklin/.
“Aretha Franklin.” Memphis Music Hall of Fame, 8 Oct. 2019, memphismusichallof-
fame.com/inductee/aretha-franklin/.
“Aretha Franklin.” Women of the Hall, www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/aretha-frank-
lin/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
“Aretha Franklin: Artist.” Artist | GRAMMY.Com, www.grammy.com/artists/aretha-
franklin/11503. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
“Aretha Franklin: Biography, Music & News.” Billboard, www.billboard.com/artist/
aretha-franklin/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
“Aretha Franklin: Biography, Music & News.” Billboard, www.billboard.com/artist/
aretha-franklin/. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
“The Queen of Soul: An Appreciation | National Museum of African American History
and Culture.” National Museum of African American History & Culture, nmaahc.si.edu/explore/
stories/queen-soul-appreciation. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
“Remembering the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.” University of Delaware,
www.udel.edu/udaily/2018/august/aretha-franklin-david-suisman-cultural-impact/#:~:text=Be-
sides%20listening%20to%20recordings%20of,looked%20to%20her%20as%20inspiration. Ac-
cessed 11 Mar. 2025.
Gayle 3
Ritz, David, and Aretha Franklin. Aretha: From These Roots Aretha Franklin and David
Ritz. Villard, 1999.
YouTube, youtu.be/MfEb9Sb6Ge8?si=YqMHXteptrUj7ta4. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
YouTube, youtu.be/mOwcxKDAQIE?si=z0p8t8Nk85qDFKzW. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
YouTube, youtu.be/y1wFX1TPW6E?si=tN2-_1LOuN0bci45. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
