My mentor was Clara Ward of the famous Ward gospel singers of Philadelphia. And my dad was my coach. He coached me. And just my natural love for music is what drove me. — 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
