Aretha Franklin’s soulful voice has earned her fifteen Grammies and the honor of being the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. An uncompromising survivor, Aretha has
stirred millions with her classic hits, including, "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" and "Respect." But she has also faced daunting personal challenges: her mother’s desertion; teenage
pregnancy; several unhappy marriages; and a tragic shooting that led to the death of her father. With unique access to key figures in Aretha’s past, and new material revealing recent events
both personal and professional in the life of the diva, this is the definitive biography of the woman who captivated the music world of the early fifties and became a star. Timed to Aretha’s
70th birthday in April 2012, the detailed research in Bego’s biography includes in-person interview with record producers Jerry Wexler, Clyde Otis, and Clyde Davis (Aretha’s first husband),
several of her singing star contemporaries, and a rare one-on-one session with Aretha herself. Every album, every accolade, and every heart-breaking personal drama is examined with clarity and
neutrality, allowing Franklin’s colorful story to unfold on its own. Aretha’s life has been a roller coaster; this freshly updated and expanded version of Da Capo’s O/P 2001 book will give
readers a clear understanding of what made Aretha Franklin the “Queen of Soul.” Aretha is in poor health; this biography will someday serve as a brilliant and fitting memorial to someone who
has touched all our lives with her soul-stirring music.
