Biography Season 21 Episode 10 Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul, is the focus of this episode of Biography's season 21. The hour-long special explores the life and music of one of the most iconic and influential singers of the 20th century.

The episode begins by taking viewers on a journey through Franklin's childhood in Detroit. Born in 1942, she was the daughter of renowned preacher C.L. Franklin and grew up surrounded by music and the church. The episode looks at how this early exposure to gospel music and the civil rights movement shaped Franklin's later career and activism.

As Franklin's talent for singing became apparent, she was soon signed to a record label and recorded her first album, "Songs of Faith," at the age of 14. The special delves into how Franklin's early career progressed, including her move to New York in the early 1960s and her breakthrough song "Respect," which became an anthem of the civil rights movement.

Viewers are given a glimpse of how Franklin's personal life intersected with her professional success. The episode looks at her two marriages, her tumultuous relationship with her father, and her struggles with addiction.

Throughout the special, expert interviews and archival footage provide an insight into Franklin's extraordinary musical talents, from her one-of-a-kind voice to her skill as a pianist. Viewers get a front-row seat to her famous performances, from her iconic rendition of "Amazing Grace" to her show-stopping performance of the national anthem at the 2006 Super Bowl.

The episode also examines Franklin's cultural impact, both in music and beyond. The special looks at how she became a symbol of black excellence and female empowerment, and how her music touched people of all races and backgrounds.

As the special draws to a close, viewers are left with a sense of Franklin's enduring legacy. Her influence on music, fashion, and culture continues to be felt decades after her first chart-topping hit. This episode is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest voices of all time, a woman whose contributions to music and society will never be forgotten.