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Aretha Franklin

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Aretha Franklin BIO

Without knowing how to read music, Franklin taught herself to play the piano; at the young age of 12, she began to record songs and sing on gospel tours with her father. She signed her first record deal at age 18 with Columbia Records. In 1966 she moved to Atlantic Records, where she recorded many of her most iconic songs. In 1979 she began a 40-year friendship and partnership with Clive Davis, which produced a number of hit songs, including the highest charting and bestselling song of her career, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," a duet with George Michael. The legendary singer is one of the world's bestselling musical artists of all time, with more than 75 million records sold globally during her career. Her voice was identified as a "natural resource" by her home state of Michigan.

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CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE and R.E.S.P.E.C.T Added to 2024�"2025 Ameren Illinois Broadway In Peoria Series


Discover the two new season add-on shows joining the AMEREN ILLINOIS BROADWAY IN PEORIA Series for 24-25. Stay updated with the latest in Broadway entertainment news.

Henry Mancini Family Celebrates Late Composer's 100th Birthday with Tribute Album


The Henry Mancini family continues to celebrate what would have been the late legendary composer’s 100th birthday with the announcement of The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company. The album is the latest installment in what will be a year-long endeavor honoring the 20-time GRAMMY® and 4-time Academy Award winner whose centennial is being celebrated on April 16th. The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company will be available June 21st via Primary Wave, and the first single, “Peter Gunn,” featuring Quincy Jones, John Williams, Herbie Hancock, and Arturo Sandoval, is out now. Listen to the song here!

Video: Watch an All New Trailer For A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN in London


An all new trailer has been released for the Tony nominated Broadway musical 'A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN' playing at London's Peacock Theatre for a limited run from August 20th.  Check out the video here!

Salted Lemon Presents BUZZER At Court Square Theater


Explore Salted Lemon's latest production, BUZZER, a riveting drama that pushes boundaries and challenges perceptions. Uncover the story behind the hype in this must-see theatrical event.

Photos: TONY BENNETT: A LIFE WELL LIVED Exhibition Open Ahead of Auction


Julien’s Auctions opened today its exhibition of Tony Bennett: A Life Well Lived, featuring exceptional highlights of their two-day auction event honoring the music and art of the twenty-time GRAMMY Award-Winning maestro, artist and beloved New Yorker. See the photos below!

Audra McDonald to Return To Provincetown With Seth Rudetsky in May


Six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald will return to Provincetown with SiriusXM Radio star Seth Rudetsky as music director and host, this Memorial Day Weekend. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Patti LuPone & More Set for Bay Street Theater Music Mondays Season


Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts will present the return of MUSIC MONDAYS. See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.

London Records Will Release 30th Anniversary Editions Of Marcella Detroit's Album 'Jewel'


London Records celebrates 30 years of Marcella Detroit's album Jewel, re-issuing it on sapphire blue vinyl and an expanded 2CD and digital set on June 21.

Seattle Theatre Group Presents Two World Premiere Plays This Month


The world premiere of Leviticus or Love and to walk amongst HUMANS (Book I), a new work by dani tirell and The Congregation commissioned by Seattle Theatre Group (STG), will play for two performances only at the Moore Theatre on April 20 and 21.

See Alice Ripley and John McDaniel, JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY & More at Birdland in April


Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater are open this April with a full slate of nightly performances! See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. & STOMP Join 24-25 Broadway in Toledo Season


Two Season Add-On productions will join the 24–25 BROADWAY IN TOLEDO Series. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

Interview: Musical Director Joseph Thalken Playing A LIFE IN NOTES with Patti LuPone


Broadway legend Patti LuPone performs her first solo show A Life in Notes with the LA Opera April 20, 2024, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Patti’s long-time musical director Joseph Thalken took some time between their second and third tour stops (respectively, Morristown, New Jersey’s Mayo Performing Arts Center and Houston, Texas’ Hobby Center for the Performing Arts) to answer a few of my queries.

92NY to Present COTTON: Denyce Graves, Mezzo-Soprano And Justin Austin, Baritone


Join the 92nd Street Y for COTTON: Denyce Graves, mezzo-soprano and Justin Austin, baritone. See when you can catch the performance and learn how to purchase tickets.

Stella Cole, Chad LB Quartet, and More Take the Stage At Birdland In April


Get all the details about the upcoming jazz programming at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater running April 1st - April 14th.

54 SINGS SONGS FOR CHANGE to be Presented in April


54 BELOW will present 54 Sings Songs for Change on Monday, April  15th at 9:30pm, with a livestream option offered at 9:45pm ET. Learn how to purchase tickets.

BEAUTIFUL, THE LEHMAN TRILOGY & More Lead Philadelphia's April 2024 Top Theatre Shows


Philadelphia is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2024 include Beautiful, The Lehman Trilogy, and more!

Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles to Present SOLID GOLD: Aretha, Dionne, & Whitney


Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles will present the final concert of Season 45, SOLID GOLD: Aretha, Dionne, & Whitney. See the performance date and learn how to purchase tickets.

Matthew Jordan Smith Honors The Late Aretha Franklin With New Coffee Table Book


Celebrity photographer Matthew Jordan Smith releases ARETHA COOL: THE INTIMATE PORTRAITS, a coffee table book honoring Aretha Franklin. The 256-page book showcases her musical genius and cultural influence from 2005 to 2018. The photographs illustrate the musical genius of The Queen of Soul.

Ken Ludwig World Premiere & More Set for Asolo Repertory Theatre 2024-25 Season


Asolo Repertory Theatre, has revealed its 2024-2025 season. See the full lineup of plays and learn how to purchase tickets.

Broadway Composer and Keyboard Player Peter Calandra Releases New Improvised Piano Album 'SPIRIT'


Broadway composer and keyboard player Peter Calandra has announced the release of his new album, 'Spirit.'

Aretha Franklin FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Aretha Franklin written?

Aretha Franklin has written 1 shows including A Night With Janis Joplin (Composer).

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