First NameArethaMiddle NameLouiseLast NameFranklinFull Name at BirthAretha Louise FranklinAlternative NameThe Queen of Soul, Sister Ree, Aretha Louise Franklin, Aretha FranklinBirthday25th March, 1942BirthplaceMemphis, Tennessee, USADied16th August, 2018Place of DeathRiverfront Towers, Detroit, Michigan, USACause of DeathPancreatic CancerBuriedWoodlawn Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan, USAHeight5' 5" (165 cm)BuildLargeEye ColorBrown - DarkHair ColorBlackZodiac SignAriesSexualityStraightReligionBaptistEthnicityBlackNationalityAmericanOccupation TextSinger • songwriter • actress • pianist • activistOccupationSingerClaim to FameRespectMusic Genre (Text)Soul, Dance, R&B, Pop, Jazz, GospelMusic GenreR&B/Soul, R&B, Religious, PianoYear(s) Active1956–present, 1956–2018, 1956–2017, 1954–2018Music StyleSoul, Deep Soul, Urban, Quiet Storm, Southern Soul, Pop/Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Black Gospel, Religious, GospelMusic MoodOrganic, Confident, Rousing, Gritty, Exuberant, Earthy, Passionate, Romantic, Sexy, Warm, Cathartic, Party/Celebratory, Stylish, Amiable/Good-Natured, Sensual, Joyous, Spiritual, Fiery, Plaintive, Dramatic, ElegantInstrumentVocals, PianoInstrument (text)Vocals, Keyboards, PianoRecord LabelJ.V.B. (1956-60), Columbia (1961-66), Atlantic (1967-80), Arista (1980-2004), RCA (2011-present), J.V.B., Columbia, Atlantic, Arista, RCA (2011-18), J.V.B, RCAAssociated ActsSweet Inspirations, Carolyn Franklin, Erma Franklin, Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston, George Benson, George Michael, Michael McDonald, Eurythmics, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, Céline Dion, Smokey Robinson, The Caravans, The Soul Stirrers, Dionne Warwick, James Brown, Mahalia Jackson, Patti LaBelleOfficial WebsitesFamily MemberWhitney Houston (Goddaughter)

Aretha Louise Franklin ( ə-REE-thə; March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Referred to as the "Queen of Soul", she has twice been placed ninth in Rolling Stones "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". With global sales of over 75 million records, Franklin is one of the world's best-selling music artists.