American Singer, Known as the “Queen of Soul” • 1942-2018 • R&B, Soul, & Gospel
Fast Facts
- Born in Memphis, Tennessee in March of 1942
- Defined the Golden Age of Soul Music in the 1960s
- Mother was a gospel singer and pianist, father was a nationally-renowned minister
- Raised in Detroit by her father when her parents divorced
- Performed gospel music around the country when he preached in cities across the US and was recognized as a vocal prodigy
- Transitioned from sacred to secular music at age 18
- Was signed by Atlantic Records in 1966, where she was able to develop her own musical identity
- Known for hits including “Respect”, “Think” and “Natural Woman”
- Refined her own mix of gospel and R&B and was dubbed the “Queen of Soul”
- Died in Detroit, Michigan in August of 2018
Musician of the Month Project 