March 25 is the Birthday of Aretha Franklin.

As a young teen, Franklin performed with her father on his gospel programs in major cities throughout the country and was recognized as a vocal prodigy. She moved to New York City, where Columbia Records executive John Hammond arranged her recording contract.

Her first recording session where she sang “Today I Sing the Blues” (1960) remains a classic.

As the nation turned towards civil rights, and Black urban music grew in popularity, Franklin was crowned the “Queen of Soul." “Respect,” her 1967 cover of Otis Redding’s spirited composition, became an anthem.

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