Aretha Franklin’s Gospel Music on YouTube

Check out some of the greatest gospel songs performed by the late, great Aretha Franklin.

Introduction

Aretha Franklin is widely known as the “Queen of Soul.” But before she was belting out hits like “Respect” and “Chain of Fools,” Aretha was a gospel singer.

Aretha’s father, C.L. Franklin, was a Baptist minister, and she grew up singing in the church. She began her recording career with two gospel albums: “Songs of Faith” and “Amazing Grace.”

Aretha continued to recording both gospel and secular music throughout her career. She won 18 Grammys, including one for Lifetime Achievement, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

In recent years, Aretha’s health has been failing, and she announced her retirement from touring in 2017. She died on August 16, 2018 at the age of 76.

Aretha’s gospel music is some of her best work, in my opinion. It is soulful and moving, and it showcases her incredible vocal range. If you’ve never heard Aretha sing gospel, I highly recommend checking out some of her YouTube videos.

Early Years

Aretha Franklin began her musical career as a gospel singer at her father’s church. As a young girl, she would sing solos and accompany her father and his congregation. She later recalled that gospel music was “my foundation,” and she credits it with helping her develop her vocal technique.

Franklin’s Family and Childhood

Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 25, 1942. She was the fourth of five children of Clarence LaVaughn (C. L.) Franklin and Barbara Siggers Franklin. C. L. was a Baptist minister and social activist who preached at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, where Aretha later joined the church choir and began her singing career. Her mother, a former gospel singer, taught Aretha how to play piano by ear when she was two-and-a-half years old.

In 1948, the family moved to Detroit, where C. L. became pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church; Aretha began singing solos at his church when she was 10 years old. WhenAretha was 12 years old, her father started managing her career as a gospel singer; he helped her record her first gospel album,,The Gospel Sound of Aretha Franklin,, which was released when she was 14 years old. After graduating from high school in 1958, Aretha decided not to pursue college but instead to focus on her music career.

Franklin’s First Recordings

As a teenager, Aretha Franklin began her singing career with her father’s guidance and spiritual direction. Rev. C. L. Franklin’s church services were well known for their dynamic music and congregation participation. Songs such as “Give Me That Old Time Religion” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” were staples in the Franklin household. These early recordings, made between 1956 and 1964, are a window into Aretha’s growth as both a singer and a songwriter, as well as the influences of her father and the other great gospel singers of that time.

Career

American singer and songwriter Aretha Franklin began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father C. L. Franklin was minister. After signing a recording contract with J-V-B Records in 1961, she achieved commercial success with songs such as “Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody”, “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)”, “Spanish Harlem” and “Day Dreaming”.

Franklin’s Success

Many of Aretha Franklin’s gospel recordings became hits, including “Electrifying,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Mary, Don’t You Weep.” Her renewed interest in gospel music helped revitalize her career and earned her several Grammy Awards.

Franklin’s Gospel Music

Aretha Franklin’s powerful voice has brought joy to countless people around the world. Her gospel music has touched the hearts of many, and her message of love and hope has inspired millions. YouTube is proud to present a collection of Aretha Franklin’s gospel music, featuring some of her most popular songs and performances.

Conclusion

Aretha Franklin was one of the most popular and influential singers of her generation, and her gospel music was a huge part of her career. YouTube has a wealth of Aretha Franklin gospel music videos, both live performances and music videos. For fans of Aretha Franklin, or for anyone who wants to experience the power and emotion of her gospel singing, these videos are a must-watch.