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. 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.