NPR

Aretha Franklin: The Deep Cuts

Staff members of NPR remember the Queen of Soul beyond her No. 1 hits. These are Aretha Franklin's most essential deep cuts.
Aretha Franklin performs with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann Center for Performing Arts in 2010.

As one of American music's greatest voices, just the mention of Aretha Franklin's name conjures the memory of her undeniable voice. And with a career spanning more than five decades, touching gospel, R&B and pop, Franklin has earned her place in the history books and in the hearts of music fans.

Though the

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
A Lawmaker With A Brain Disease Used Voice Assist To Back Her Bill On The House Floor
Rep. Jennifer Wexton of Virginia was diagnosed last year with rare disease that makes it hard to speak. She still advocated for a bill renaming a post office in her district – and the House passed it.
NPR4 min readInternational Relations
Indonesia's Next President Has A Complicated History With The U.S.
President-elect Prabowo Subianto was once banned by the U.S. for rights violations. But the U.S. earlier gave him military training. How will both countries deal with each other once he takes office?
NPR2 min readCrime & Violence
Stormy Daniels Continues Testimony In Trump's Criminal Trial
Today is the second day of testimony for adult film star Stormy Daniels. On Tuesday she testified to a nondisclosure agreement and settlement deal with former President Donald Trump.

Related Books & Audiobooks