PEOPLE celebrates the peerless Aretha Franklin. In words and pictures, this special edition offers an in-depth look at Franklin’s career, from singing in her father Rev. C.L. Franklin’s Detroit church choir after her mother’s early death, to finding chart success as she became a powerful voice for civil rights, to performing at three presidential inaugurations. The book includes chapters on Franklin’s Amazing Grace, the best-selling gospel album of all time; her collaborations with Whitney Houston, George Michael, Lauryn Hill, and more; and the special connection she shared with President Barack Obama. Plus: a behind-the-scenes peek at the Aretha biopic, Respect, and an interview with its star, Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson.
Aretha
All Hail the Queen • FROM SINGING IN THE CHOIR OF HER FATHER’S CHURCH TO PERFORMING FOR PRESIDENTS, ARETHA FRANKLIN BLAZED A PATH ALOFT ON THE VOICE SHE CALLED A GIFT FROM GOD
A Girl Genius • THE DAUGHTER OF A FAMOUS PREACHER AND A MOTHER SHE ADORED BUT LOST TOO SOON, ARETHA FRANKLIN WAS A MUSICAL PRODIGY WHO GREW UP FAST
Finding Her Voice • JAZZ, R&B, POP, SHOW TUNES—THE YOUNG SINGER’S VOCALS SHONE ON EVERY TYPE OF SONG. SO WHY DIDN’T THOSE EARLY ALBUMS MAKE HER A STAR?
All Due Respect • BY MAKING MUSIC THAT MOVED HER, ARETHA CREATED A CHAIN OF NOW-CLASSIC HITS—AND PROVIDED THE CIVIL RIGHTS ERA WITH AN INDISPENSABLE SOUNDTRACK
How Sweet the Sound • FOR TWO HOT EVENINGS IN A LOS ANGELES CHURCH, ARETHA FRANKLIN WOWED A CONGREGATION—AND CREATED THE BEST-SELLING LIVE GOSPEL ALBUM OF ALL TIME
The Queen Returns • DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK, WARNED FRANKLIN. BUT A NEW LABEL, MUSIC VIDEOS, A MOVIE ROLE AND DUETS WITH YOUNGER STARS HELPED PUT HER BACK ON TOP
Her Inimitable Style • SHE LOVED A FUR, A FEATHER, A SPARKLE AND, ESPECIALLY, A GREAT HAT. WAS SHE ALWAYS ON THE BEST-DRESSED LIST? NO, BUT ARETHA DRESSED TO PLEASE HERSELF
What Can’t Aretha Do? • HIP-HOP, OPERA, COMEDY AND… BALLET? AT A TIME WHEN OTHER STARS WERE RESTING ON THEIR JUKEBOX HITS, MISS FRANKLIN COULD WOW FANS ANEW
End of a Reign • HER SPIRITED FINAL ACT WAS FILLED WITH NEW MUSIC, AWARDS—AND A SHADY SIDE-EYE FOR ANYONE AIMING TO BE THE ‘NEXT ARETHA.’ LOSING HER PROVED: THERE WAS NO OTHER
You Make Me Feel • WHY BARACK OBAMA TEARING UP DURING AN ARETHA FRANKLIN SONG CAPTIVATED THE NATION
Lifting Every Voice • MILLIONS MOURNED FRANKLIN’S PASSING. BUT THE CHORUS OF TRIBUTES FROM SINGERS IN PARTICULAR MADE CLEAR WHAT THE WORLD HAD LOST
Jennifer on Aretha • 15 YEARS AFTER ARETHA FRANKLIN CHOSE JENNIFER HUDSON TO PORTRAY HER, THE ACTRESS TALKS ABOUT AT LAST REALIZING THAT DREAM
Inside the Movie • DIRECTOR LIESL TOMMY AND SCREENWRITER TRACEY SCOTT WILSON TALK ABOUT HOW TWO FIRST-TIME FILMMAKERS BROUGHT ARETHA FRANKLIN’S COMPLICATED LIFE AND MASSIVE TALENT TO THE SCREEN IN THE BIOPIC RESPECT
People - Special Issues
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