Date of birth: March 25, 1942
Date of death: August 16, 2018 (Age: 76 years)
Height: 5’5” (165 cm)
Weight: 260 pounds (118 kg)
Hair color: Dark brown
Eye color: Dark brown
Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, and developed her voice singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit. Her Atlantic Records era produced defining recordings including Respect, Think, Chain of Fools and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.
Known as the Queen of Soul, Franklin won 18 Grammy Awards and in 1987 became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her honors also included the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was the mother of four sons.
The former article described Franklin as living and promoted portion reduction and avoiding particular foods as an explanation for weight loss. Those health claims were removed. Franklin died in Detroit on August 16, 2018, at age 76.
Updated details
Biographical and career details were reviewed and the article text was updated on September 7, 2026. Historical measurements and past routine descriptions are identified as such.
