Aretha+Franklin

Aretha started performing on the Midwest gospel music circuit as a child. She had her first recording at the age of 14. Her pop music career started when she signed a record deal in 1961 with CBS/Columbia. When her career really took off was when she signed in 1967 with Atlantic records. She was at her peak as an artist by the end of the 1960's. Aretha Franklin became an african-american during the era turbulent battles over civil rights for women and minorities. She was the one to sing god bless america at the 1977 inauguration of President Jimmy Carter.