I like writing and don't confine myself to just the words or just the music. But I don't particularly write songs with… — Aretha Franklin Copy Share Image
I've probably cried with a lot of songs - in teenage crushes, adult crushes. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share Image
I didn't really want to sing at first, but my dad insisted that I do. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share Image
I was in my dad's church, his Baptist church, and I think the first song I ever performed was 'Jesus Be a… — Aretha Franklin Copy Share Image
As a very small girl, I listened to Charlie Parker and loved him and Max Roach and people like that. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share Image
In terms of helping people understand and know each other a little better, music is universal - universal and transporting. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share Image
As long as it's good music. I love all music. It's got to be constructed properly. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share Image
It really is an honor if I can be inspirational to a younger singer or person. It means I've done my job. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share Image
I remember singing around the house to records that were playing. All kinds of music. And the great James Cleveland was often… — Aretha Franklin Copy Share Image
If a song's about something I've experienced or that could've happened to me it's good. But if it's alien to me, I… — Aretha Franklin Copy Share Image
I had not been in the jazz environment, having been brought up in the church. But once I got to New York,… — Aretha Franklin Copy Share Image
As a very small girl, I listened to Charlie Parker and loved him and Max Roach and people like that. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share
Being the Queen is not all about singing, and being a diva is not all about singing. It has much to do with your… — Aretha Franklin Copy Share
Soul is a constant. It's cultural. It's always going to be there, in different flavors and degrees. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share
I certainly enjoy Usher, Beyonce, Chris Brown, and there is Fantasia; these people will be around a while. They've got it. They've got the… — Aretha Franklin Copy Share
Forever, forever, you'll stay in my heart and I will love you. Forever, forever, we never will part. Oh, how I love you. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share
I just loved working with George Benson, whom I very much enjoy musically and as a person. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share
I sing to the realists, people who accept it like it is. I express problems. There are tears when it's sad and smiles when… — Aretha Franklin Copy Share
I saw the Supremes when they were still singing in little black skirts and white blouses. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share
I can say that my big records and my success have been due to the backing which Atlantic have put behind me. — Aretha Franklin Copy Share
