Aretha Franklin was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and pianist, known as the "Queen of Soul." Born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, she gained fame in the 1960s with hits like "Respect" and "Natural Woman." Her powerful voice and emotive performances made her a significant figure in music history. Throughout her career, Aretha won numerous awards, including 18 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. She was also a civil rights activist, using her platform to advocate for social justice. Aretha Franklin passed away on August 16, 2018, leaving a lasting legacy.