Aretha Franklin Quotes: Inspiring Words from the Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin, known as the Queen of Soul, was not only a legendary singer but also a wise and inspirational woman. Her powerful voice and soulful melodies touched the hearts of millions. Beyond her music, Aretha Franklin left behind a treasure trove of quotes that continue to inspire people around the world. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most memorable Aretha Franklin quotes that offer valuable insights and motivation for life’s journey.

 

Aretha’s Early Life

“I was a good Christian by choice.”

Aretha Franklin’s upbringing was deeply rooted in the church. Her father was a Baptist minister, and she started singing gospel music at an early age. This quote reflects her strong faith and the influence of Christianity on her life.

“Music was my solace.”

Even in her challenging early years, Aretha found comfort and solace in music. This quote highlights the therapeutic and healing power of music in her life.

 

Achieving Success

H1: Aretha’s rise to fame wasn’t without obstacles, but her unwavering self-confidence helped her become a trailblazing artist in a male-dominated industry. This quote emphasizes the importance of self-belief and staying true to your artistic vision.

“I sing to the realists; people who accept it like it is.”

Aretha Franklin’s music resonated with those who appreciated authenticity. She sang from the heart, and this quote reflects her commitment to being genuine and relatable through her art.

 

The Power of Respect

“All I’m asking is for a little respect.”

Aretha’s iconic song “Respect” became an anthem for empowerment. This quote encapsulates the essence of the song and the universal desire for respect in all aspects of life.

“Respect is one of the greatest expressions of love.”

Aretha believed that respect was a cornerstone of any healthy relationship. This quote underscores the significance of mutual respect in building strong connections.

 

Overcoming Challenges

“Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift.”

Aretha Franklin faced numerous challenges in her life, including health issues. This quote reminds us to cherish every moment and see each day as a precious gift.

“You can’t stop being afraid just by pretending everything that scares you isn’t there.”

Aretha acknowledged fear but also encouraged facing it head-on. This quote encourages us to confront our fears and work through them.

Aretha Franklin’s quotes are a testament to her wisdom, resilience, and the profound impact she had on the world. Her words continue to resonate with people from all walks of life, offering guidance, inspiration, and a reminder of the power of music and self-belief.

  1. Q: What was Aretha Franklin’s most famous song? A: Aretha’s most famous song is undoubtedly “Respect.”

  2. Q: How did Aretha Franklin become the Queen of Soul? A: Aretha’s exceptional talent, determination, and unique voice propelled her to stardom, earning her the title of the Queen of Soul.

  3. Q: What is the significance of the quote, “Be your own artist”? A: This quote encourages individuals to stay true to their artistic vision and believe in themselves, regardless of external influences.

  4. Q: How did Aretha Franklin’s upbringing influence her music? A: Aretha’s early exposure to gospel music in church significantly shaped her musical style and the emotional depth of her songs.

  5. Q: Where can I listen to Aretha Franklin’s music? A: You can find Aretha Franklin’s music on various streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music.

 

Phrases

01. “We all require and want respect, man or woman, black or white. It’s our basic human right.”

02. “Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you’re doing. If you’re not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.”

03. “Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s transporting, for sure. It can take you right back, years back, to the very moment certain things happened in your life. It’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening.”

04. “I sing to the realists, people who accept it like it is. I express problems. There are tears when it’s sad and smiles when it’s happy. It seems simple to me, but for some people, I guess feelin’ takes courage.”

Aretha Franklin Quotes

05. “Soul is a constant. It’s cultural. It’s always going to be there, in different flavors and degrees.”

06. “If you disrespect everybody that you run into, how in the world do you think everybody’s supposed to respect you?”

07. “Being the Queen is not all about singing and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people. And your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well.”

08. “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me.”

09. “People really don’t have to give you anything, so appreciate what people give you. And just don’t let that go to your head, whatever it is they give you.”

10. “When God loves you, what can be better than that?”

11. “Trying to grow up is hurting. You make mistakes. You try to learn from them, and when you don’t, it hurts even more.”

12. “The man who gets me is getting one hell of a woman.”

13. “Falling out of love is like losing weight. It’s a lot easier putting it on than taking it off.”

14. “Don’t say Aretha is making a comeback, because I’ve never been away!”

Aretha Franklin Quotes

15. “I’ve been around long enough for people to know who I am and what my contributions are. They know me as more than just an artist. I think they know me as a woman as well.”

16. “My faith always has been and always will be important to me.”

17. “Women have broken through the glass ceiling, and they’re now more and more in the power seats.”

18. “I sing to the realists; people who accept it like it is.”

19. “The milk of kindness flows through my body, I shall follow Jesus to the Taco Bell and give thanks.”

20. “I’m a big woman. I need big hair.”

21. “Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I’m using to the highest degree possible the gift that god gave me to use. I’m happy with that.”

22. “Music changes, and I’m gonna change right along with it.”

23. “My heart is still there in gospel music. It never left . . . I’m gonna make a gospel record and tell Jesus I cannot bear these burdens alone.”

24. “Better friends than lovers. Sugar can’t you see? You need you and I really need me.”

Aretha Franklin Quotes

25. “As a parent you try to maintain a certain amount of control and so you have this tug-of-war … You have to learn when to let go. And that’s not easy.” ~ Aretha Franklin
“R&B is not a fad; it’s the truth.”

26. “I love to sing. It’s just a natural thing for me.”

27. “If a song’s about something I’ve experienced or that could’ve happened to me it’s good. But if it’s alien to me, I couldn’t lend anything to it. Because that’s what soul is all about.”

28. “I’ve never recorded anything I didn’t like.”

29. “And I’ve been hurt bad. I might be just twenty-six, but I’m an old woman in disguise twenty-six goin’on sixty-five.”

30. “Gospel goes with me wherever I go. Gospel is a constant with me.”

31. “I’ve always felt that rock & roll was very, very wholesome.”

32. “On the sly, scoping for love.”

33. “Politics are not my arena. Music is.”

34. “I was in my dad’s church, his Baptist church, and I think the first song I ever performed was ‘Jesus Be a Fence Around Me.’” ~ Aretha Franklin
“Judy Garland is a singer with a capital S. And talk about soul. This woman was soul personified. Judy Garland is a class by herself.”

35. “I think the hardest thing is losing weight. That’s the hardest thing more than anything else.”

36. “I know people I feel are extremely talented, but I don’t know that I’ve ever heard any geniuses.”

Aretha Franklin Quotes

37. “I love ‘Anne of Green Gables.’ I have for years. That’s one of my favorite things. She’s such a can-do kind of girl; that’s why I’m crazy about her.”

38. “Let’s start with the church. As you know, it’s my background, it’s a natural setting for me and it’s definitely my roots.” ~ Aretha Franklin
“Yes, I’ve always been fashion-conscious.”

39. “I’m never tired of going to the studio. I enjoy recording and documenting everything and trying new things.”

40. “I don’t feel one’s personal medical condition is everybody’s business. It just isn’t something you advertise, and it’s not open to discussion.”

41. “I love producing, writing. I rarely write with other writers unless I have a real great respect for them. Like Burt Bacharach, or Carole Sager, or Stevie Wonder. Somebody like Smokey – like that. Otherwise, I choose to write alone.”

42. “Parents have to really talk to their children before they leave home.” ~ Aretha Franklin
“I’m the lady next door when I’m not on stage.”

43. “I remember singing around the house to records that were playing. All kinds of music. And the great James Cleveland was often in our house, and I grew up with his sound as well.”

44. “…the people at large absolutely gave James Brown respect. He was an original like a Rembrandt or a Picasso” ~ Aretha Franklin
“You’re a no-good heartbreaker, you’re a liar, and you’re a cheat. I don’t know why I let you do these things to me.”

45. “Clark Terry is an American Master. I love to listen to him, particularly ‘Mumbles.’ I was so delighted when we received degrees together, along with Edward Kennedy, at the New England Conservatory in 1997.”

46. “I like Beyonce’s music – some of it, not all of it.”

47. “Now, occasionally I will still have that quarter pounder because I love fast food, but you have to keep it to a minimum.”

48. “And I was booked once to go on ‘Ed Sullivan’ and I got bumped and ran out the back door crying.”

49. “I donate heavily to the church and various churches in the Detroit community and food banks.”

50. “Call in the Caped Crusader, Green Hornet, Kato, too. I’m in so much trouble I don’t know what to do.”

51. “I saw the Supremes when they were still singing in little black skirts and white blouses.”

52. “It’s so glamorous, you have to see it.” (describing the $92 million Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)”