History of African American Music Essay

The result is usu wholey described as soul music, a merge of blues, rhythm and blues, and gospel voices. But, if Ray Charles was 1 of the originators of soul music, Aretha Franklin reshaped it, by bringing even more of her gospel background to bear on secular fare songs (Wade and Picardie 27). By combining popular elements with her stunning voice, her great musicianship, and the feeling for a song that she learned in church, Aretha became one of the greatest soul singers to ever live. Aretha Franklin is a well- cognize pop, R&B, and gospel singer.She has been nicknamed The Queen of Soul and is an internationally known artist and a symbol of pride in the African American community. Her popularity soared in 1967 when she released an album containing songs I Never Loved a Man, Respect, and Baby I Love You. Throughout her career she has achieved fifteen Grammy Awards, lifespan Achievement Award, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Legend Awards, and many Grammy stude nt residence of Fame Awards. In 1987 she became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.Time magazine chose her as one of the most influential artists and entertainers of the 20th century. She sang at Dr. Martin Luther Kings funeral and at former President line Clintons inaugural party. Although she has all these accomplishments and awards there are other reasons that have driven Franklin to fame and landed her on the front cover of Time magazine on June 28, 1968. The reasons I take allowed Aretha Franklin to perform so successful are the following Her familys involvement with religion, the inspiring people that surrounded her, and the pain she suffered.It is clear that because her familys involvement with religion would be one reason why Aretha Franklin became as famous as a Gospel singer. Some people would say that her hunch for religion is unbelievable, but after researching her childhood it is very believable. Her acquire, Reverend Clarence LaVaugh Fra nklin lived in Shelby Mississippi and preached while living the life of a sharecropper. As soon as he had enough money, he would move to Memphis, Tennessee to become a pastor of two churches. After a couple of years he attended LeMoyne College, and he studied Education and English Literature.With his education he was able to bring a more liberal view to his preachings. Then he travel the family to Buffalo, New York. When he had the resources, he moved the family again to Detroit, Michigan were he settled and became a pastor of a churched called New Bethel Baptist perform. He quickly became one of the most famous pastors in the city of Detroit. Aretha was two years old when they made their final move, she would grow up here and grab the emotion of Church and incorporate it into her music. Aretha Franklins mom, Barbara V. Skaggers, served as choir director and pianist.Aretha describes her mom as a Superb singer, her voice was clear and distinctive. (Franklin and Ritz, 6) Her parents taught her how to sing with great pride. This was a big issue because the late 50s, early 60s was a age of turmoil for African Americans. Her father especially tried to in until now pride into her. He was a Civil Rights activist and he was a close colleague with Dr. Martin Luther King. With her parents keeping her involved in Church she was bound to become one of the worlds greatest singers. At around age 12, the father recognized Arethas talent as a singer.So he took her on the road with his locomotion gospel show. This was important because it shows the kind of support Aretha received from her family. It was said, She was a spellbinding performer at the age of fourteen. (Franklin, 3) So her family really supported and inspired her to become a gospel singer. What also made her a great artist was that she had inspiring people all around her. Aretha grew up in Detroit which at the time was a rousing city or a city of hope for the African Americans running a sort from the brutality of the South.Though Detroit still had its problems such as race riots, many famous musicians grew up there. Also since New Bethel Baptist Church was so prominent, many musicians and political leaders used Reverend Franklins stump as a platform to sing or speak to the Blacks of Detroit. Aretha was introduced to classical music by Smokey Robinsons sister Sylvia Burston. She listened to well known local DJs like Ruth Brown and Senator Brystal Brown. When Aretha was younger, she would ride her bike to the local park, and on her way home she would stop by a night club where you could here B.B. King perform. She says, You could hear the soft sound of his guitar all the way to the sidewalk (Franklin and Ritz, 22). National and local political leaders would send there speeches. Speakers such as Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. , Dr. Martin Luther King, and Reverend Jesse Jackson would speak powerfully to the church. Aretha was directly influenced by Miriam Anderson, Sammy Davis, and Roy Wilki ns. Detroit was overflowing with talent and speakers which I believe also contributed to Arethas success.Pain was probably what really drove Aretha Franklins success. As stated before, Franklins family was highly religious and was continually involved in the Church. But that doesnt mean that she hadnt been through a tremendous amount of pain. Early in life her mother and father got a divorce. The father was better suitable to raise Aretha and her four Siblings. The mother moved to Buffalo, New York and tried to make regular visits to see her children. She was supported her children in the best way she could, but when Aretha needed her, she still was not reachable.Matters became worst a few years later when Arethas mom dies of a stroke. Aretha described her mom by saying she was the absolute lady (Smith, 3). At age 15 she had her first child and two years later another would come. But Aretha still valued to go out and be with friends, so her grandmother usually babysat for her perio dically. In a time when Black Activism, Feminism, and Sexual Liberation were high, she needed to provide for herself. So when Aretha was old enough and was ready to start performing, she hired a man named Ted White to be her manager.He later became her husband. In the future she would divorce him for a famous actor which would end in divorce, too. Even though in 1968 to 1969, Franklins career was rising rapidly. She was still described by her Producer Jerry Wexler as a person whose depressions runs deeper than the sea (Ritchie Unterberger, 3). Then one of Franklins highest admirers, gospel giant Mahalia Jackson died. Right after her death a extremely ruttish gospel album was released my Aretha Amazing Grace This record was considered to be one of the most emotional records of its time.Much of the pain that Aretha suffered was not really publicized, but still it had to be one of the reasons for her to have such a powerful voice. Aretha Franklin was a successful artist and still insp ires musicians today. Her voice is still described as incredible. She has all the awards that she needs to show her talent. Works cited Franklin, Aretha, and David Ritz. Aretha From These Roots. New York Villard, 1999. Print. Carroll, Jillian. Aretha Franklin. Chicago Raintree, 2004. Print