68 Years ago today the Queen of Soul was born in Memphis Tennessee as Aretha Louis Franklin. The soul, Jazz and Gospel afficionado was ranked #1 in Rolling Stone magazine’s greatest singers of all time.
On the strength of hits like “Respect,” “Think,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “Chain of Fools.” Franklin became a staple on the Billboard charts and in 1987 became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Franklin was also the only featured singer at the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009.
As with many soul legends the hip-hop generation has loved recycling the work of Franklin to make their own classics. Check out some Franklin originals and the songs that sampled her:
“Think”
“Gas Face” by 3rd Bass
“One Step Ahead”
“Ms Fat Booty” by Mos Def (produced by Ayatollah)
“Save Me”
“The Creator” Pete Rock & CL Smooth
