The Queen of Soul, Aretha Louise Franklin (1942-2018), was born on this day in Memphis, Tennessee and grew up in Detroit, Michigan, singing "all day, everyday." 

Franklin's father was noted Baptist preacher C. L. Franklin. At a young age, she sang in his choir, toured with evangelists. She recorded her first solo album at the age of 12.

"Trying to grow up is hurting... You make mistakes. You try to learn from them, and when you don't, it hurts even more," she once said.

For over 40 years, with over 50 albums, Aretha has belted her songs, demanding R-E-S-P-E-C-T, equality, and love's surrender.

"Soul is constant," she once said. "It's cultural. It's always going to be there, in different flavors and degrees."

"I look for a good lyric, a good melody, the changes. I look for something meaningful. When I go to the studio, I put everything into it. Even the kitchen sink. I love to record. I love music."

In 1986, the Michigan legislature proclaimed her voice the state's natural resource. In 1987, she was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

With a voice that vibrated with excitement and passion, Franklin's music continues to change the world.

Music changes the world.