Aretha Franklin to Join Gospel Hall of Fame
Known as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin has received an invitation to join the Gospel Hall of Fame this year.
The 70-year-old is one of six who will receive the honor, including bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs, The Hoppers, singer Dallas Holm and Christian rock band Love Song.
Late television evangelist Rex Humbard will also enter the Hall of Fame during the ceremony, which will take place on August 14 in Henderson, Tennessee.
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From an early age, Franklin sang at her father's church and learned how to play the piano by ear. She is well known for her soul recordings but she has also mastered jazz, blues, R&B, rock, and gospel music.
The singer, songwriter, and pianist was named number nine on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list and she has garnered countless awards, including 18 Grammys.
Her 1972 album "Amazing Grace" has sold over two million copies and is one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Some of Franklin's hit songs include 1967's "Respect," "(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman," and "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," recorded with George Michael in 1987. The hit-maker has had 20 singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart.
A longtime friend of Cissy Houston, Franklin was the godmother of the late Whitney Houston.
Earlier this year Franklin announced her engagement to William Wilkerson. Less than one month later, the singer called off the engagement.
Upon hearing the news of the death of her goddaughter, Houston, in February, Franklin reported it was "so stunning and unbelievable," according to CNN. She intended to perform during the memorial service but was unable to due to illness.
The Gospel Hall of Fame is one of many honors the singer has received. In 1987, Franklin became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Gospel Music Hall of Fame began in 1971. Previous inductees include Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton.
