Aretha Franklin

by Mark Bego

Traces the life of Aretha Franklin from deserted child, to teenage mother, to Grammy winner, to inductee in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1989

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

My 10 Favorite Aretha Songs
1)Until You Come Back To Me
2)Something He Can Feel
3) Day Dreaming
4)Call Me
5)Natural Woman
6)A Rose Is Still A Rose
7)Do Right Woman
8)Ain't No Way
9)I Say A Little Prayer
10)Bridge Over Troubled Water

Honorable Mentions
A Different World Theme Song
Precious Lord

I love Aretha Franklin. When I think of her it makes me smile. I remember my mom and aunt Mary singing and dancing to Aretha while playing Spades or cooking. As I child Aretha was just background music that I didn't really pay much attention to. It wasn't until I was an adult that I came to appreciate artists like Aretha Franklin, Betty Wright, and Barbara Mason.

Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul was both better and worse than I thought it would be. Better in that Mark Bego actually knows Aretha's music and I could tell he's a fan. Worse in that it was even more gossipy than I thought. The author includes every rumor he's ever heard about Aretha and admits that he doesn't know they're true. I was also annoyed by the authors obsession with Aretha's weight. Aretha was a very large woman even as a teenager she wasn't particularly thin but the author spends almost as much time on her weight that he does on her music. Aretha's weight never seemed to effect her confidence or career, but it seemed to really bother the author.

Aretha Franklin had a very tumultuous and full life. She had 2 kids by the age of 16, she was abandoned by her mother at the age of 8, 2 failed marriages her first husband was controlling and abusive and her second "may" have cheated on her and "may" have only married her for fame. All 4 of her siblings died from cancer(as would she), her oldest son seems to live life as a criminal & con man. Her father was shot during a home invasion and spent 5 years in a coma before dying. Aretha had a life filled with lots of dark periods but she was a survivor. I truly believe Aretha was touched by God and put on this earth to make people feel a little less alone.

Rest In Power Aretha.

Hooked On Books Read-A-Thon

[Richard · Rating 1 out of 5]

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I'm still seeking a biography that tells Aretha Franklin's story. Bego's book is at best an annotated (and overly long) discography…at worst, it is pure hagiography and petty comment.
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[Vilo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography of Aretha Franklin is written by a music critic, which gave it a definite focus. Each record (CD) she has released is discussed in detail, and lots of interesting information about the music business and the process of putting a record together is given. Ms. Franklin is a very private person when it comes to her personal life, and in the absence of autobiographical explanation by her Mr. Bego resorts to putting together information from various sources, including her ex-husband (talk about an unreliable narrator!) to try to fill in the gaps. The music side of the biography is more successful, although it was wonderful to learn that Aretha's sisters sang back-up for her many times and one sister, Carolyn, wrote some of the songs Aretha sings. Repeatedly Bego criticizes Aretha's wardrobe and love of food (fattening food especially, apparently). I am more willing to live and let live, and if Aretha wanted to discuss food more than any other subject in her autobiography, more power to her. Food is very important. After a few chapters I realized that I was dying to hear the music that was being discussed and I only had a few songs stored in my memory. So I checked out some CDs, which made it a much richer experience. I am even more in awe of this fabulous American talent than I was. The best surprise was hearing Aretha sing an aria from an opera by Puccini. It was amazing and I've had chills and tears in my eyes each of the three times I've listened to it.

[TAMMY CUEVAS · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so poorly written that halfway through, I stopped to check the reviews to see if everyone else hated it as much as I did. The author seemed preoccupied with two subjects: weight and wardrobe. It was bad enough that he obsessed over Aretha's well-known weight problem, but he even referred to a backup singer as the hefty girl. Seriously. And he must have been traumatized by a miniskirt in his youth, because he commented on anyone who wore one. What does it contribute to Aretha's life story that Beyonce wore a short silver skirt?
I'm glad I checked this out from the library; it was only my time that was wasted.

[Acacia · Rating 1 out of 5]

WOW! To start, Aretha Franklin always gets 5 stars. This bio, however, has nothing interesting to say. The author spends a lot of time mentioning how Aretha is very private and doesn't share much...... so if you don't have dirt to write in a bio, don't write the bio!!! He's a music critic, so there's lots of album info but none of the good personal stuff i want in a biography. so disappointing.

[Candy · Rating 1 out of 5]

LOVE Aretha and this book did nothing for telling her story or the woman behind the music.

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aretha makes me think of my late grandmother.
Aretha reminds me of the spunk my grandmother had. They even look alike. I started paying closer attention to Aretha after my grandmother passed away in 2008.

This was an extremely long book, but super informative. Aretha had a very hard life. Abandoned by her mom, impregnated as a teen, married and divorced 3 times... Sheesh. It was a lot.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great discography and retelling of Aretha Franklin's career ascendancy, but a personal take on the singer rang a bit hollow. She doesnt talk about anything that would be considered unpleasant or difficult, so you sont get an understanding of the context foe her songs. What was she thinking while singing her classics from the 60's? Reading this biography would not answer any of those questions. She struck me as a giving woman as long as you catered to her and gave her her due, but the second she thought you were considered in her class or, heaven forbid, you were referred to as the "queen" of anything, you were public enemy #1. A thin biography overall, but a good reminder of her prodigious singing talent.

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting facts, but it did not speak to me. I took the time because I loved the subject (Aretha), but the commentary seemed too concerned about its own agenda. Almost like listening to a sports broadcast of a great game with a voice lacking enthusiasm adding a distracted narration.

[Johanne McInnis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t actually finish the book, unfortunately I simply lost interest… It’s more a book about the music she made and the timeline with bits and pieces about her versus what I imagined a biography would actually be about.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dear GOD this was a boring ass book. Quit half way through.

[Theresa Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad Aretha wrote her own book two years earlier.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. It goes into great details about all of her recordings, but offers very little information about her personal life. This was the Tribute Edition of the book.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Year of Epic Reads Seasonal Challenge #1: Read a book that is out of the box.)
Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul was indeed very out my usual boxes. For one, I rarely read non-fiction at all, and this is the very first singer biography I have ever read. Also, I have to confess, I had never really stopped to listen to any of Aretha's music before this, so yes, it was something I would not have normally picked.

But I am so glad I did! Aretha is obviously an interesting character, and even though fans may be well aware of her history, this book felt perfect for a noob like me to know more and fall in love with the Queen. Maybe there isn't a lot of personal information on Aretha, but really, so what, her carreer is glorious and interesting without the need for personal drama added into the mix. I was overall very very satisfied with what I read, and thanks to Bego, I spent the whole week listening to Aretha and many other artists I had not paid attention to before. I can only thank him!

[bella soranna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m only giving it a fairly good review because this book made me learn a lot about Aretha’s music journey. On the other hand, the author does a poorly job at mentioning her private life.
Apparently, The Queen of Soul was shy and private, which is totally okay, but if you are aware of this, don’t spend my time talking about “how you don’t know her opinion on this or that because she hasn’t mentioned it. It’s annoying. Let her do what she gotta do and don’t be an idiot about it????????

Also? Wtf is Mark Bego’s problem with her wardrobe and her weight? He would make a comment like “even though she was at her heaviest, her album still did a good job in the RnB charts” huh????????? Just embarrassing and disrespectful.

Nonetheless, I saw some people commenting on how tiresome it was to read about her discography because he was extremely detailed and etc, but, to me, I quite enjoyed! I don’t know a lot about her and her albums- well, now I do, more than EVER- so I was appreciating this bunch of information.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A breezy e-book about the legendary, eccentric life of Aretha Franklin, originally published in the ’80s yet updated to reflect the singer’s life up through 2012 or so. Aretha grew up as the daughter of Detroit’s larger-than-life celebrity pastor Rev. C. L. Franklin, and before her 17th birthday she wound up an unwed mom of two children fathered by a mystery person. Those two things seem to have been the biggest influences on her subsequent recording career, which has bounced across multiple genres from the sublime to the ridiculous over 50-plus years (mostly great, however—highlighted by her 1967-72 apex at Atlantic Records). Mark Bego’s book touches on all of that in a gossipy writing style which appeared more appropriate for a brief magazine profile than a weighty book. Despite its flaws, an entertaining journey. If anything, it’s fun to read about Aretha’s weird fashion choices and her obsession with fried chicken, spareribs and other greasy edibles.

[Livey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the writing style read like a diary or appointment book with anecdotes, I truly wanted to read about the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. I attended the Michigan State Event and remember how kind she was and when after admiring her red sequined shoes, she promptly sent a correctly sized pair to the House of Reps the following week. I cried, laughed and cheered for Aretha who I followed her career before that event when I was a young girl through my parents and then later on because I loved her voice. Even if she appeared to be eccentric she had the right to be so due to the events in her life.

[Diane C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This does include things about Aretha's personal life, and her family's, but is largely a view of her musical career. Very detailed about production, marketing of records and songs, sometimes too much. Highlights more about her sisters' involvement in her music career too, they wrote some of the songs she did and performed with her alot. Despite some of these things, it's worth a read if you want to know more about Aretha. Published long before her demise, just fyi.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just as there are tribute bands, there are tribute books. I enjoyed Aretha's music so much that one day at the library, I saw this on a shelve and picked it up. Though the writing is pedestrian, the photos are great. It's well-produced and packaged and I did learn a few things worth knowing about her life.

[Joseph William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aretha Franklin is a very difficult person about which to write to a biography given how guarded she was about her private life. She simply refused to talk about personal matters like the children she gave birth to as a teenager, and who the father was. It is a mystery left unsolved, which is how Aretha wanted it I guess.

[west]

i believe what mark wrote here, with non bias reporting from past media/press coverages, and news articles despite the adamant refute from the queen herself. i too followed ms franklin career and knew a thing or two about her career path and direction and their success and dire consequences that followed

[Nigel Gentry]

Overall, this is a great book on one of the greatest, some would say the greatest soul singers. At times though the narrative gets a little slow and it almost feels like the author is trying to fill pages. For an avid fan of Aretha's as I am, it was worth getting through some of slow sections as there is a lot in this book to learn about Aretha, her tumultuous life and of course her music.

[Stephanie JNote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed reading it. Had its ups and downs and of course I am also reading other biographical writings on Aretha just in case there is some bias in this one but, overall. Good!

[Nicole Ambrosino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning about the Queen of Soul! I discovered so much music I hadn’t heard and looked up concerts I hadn’t seen! Her brilliance blows my mind! I’m so thankful to have had the chance to dig deeper into her music because of this book.

[John Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author seemed too fixated on weight, eating, bad clothes and reclusive lifestyle. Would of like more of a story. Clearly did not really appreciate her life and trials as much as I would of liked

[Kathleen Hagen]

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, Mark Bego, Narrated by Mel Foster, Produced by Brilliance Audio, downloaded from audible.com.

An in-depth, almost too detailed examination of Aretha, this biography traces her career from her beginnings as a 12-year-old member of a church choir in the early
1950s, recording her first album at the age of 14, a major recording contract at 18, and stardom in her 20s, right up through her headline-grabbing 2010
health scare, to her triumphant return: singing to her cheering Detroit hometown fans in summer 2011. This author's research includes interviews with the most important people in Aretha's life, including record producers Jerry Wexler, Clyde Otis, and Clive Davis; her first husband; several of Franklin's singing star contemporaries; and a rare one-on-one session with Aretha herself. This book takes her through two teenage pregnancies and an abusive first marriage, to drinking problems, battles with her weight, the murder of her father, and tabloid wars. The problem with a book like this for me is that I get bored with reading every detail of each album (14 in her case) most of the concerts, including each song, who she sang it with if it was a duet, etc.That said, it was an extremely interesting journey. I may have to review some of those albums mentioned here.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrary to what I expected, this turned out to be not just another gossipy celebrity biography but a well-researched and detailed look at Franklin's life trough decades and in fact might be the definitive book about her (since her own autobiography was very vague and decidedly short). In the second edition - polished, edited and new chapters added - Mr. Bego does admirable job of following path that led her from the father's church to heights of music industry and White House, somewhere along the line suggesting what did it meant not just for her personally but to her audiences and how what was back than a voice of minority become the symbol, inspiration and the flame that burn proudly to this day.

Musical aspects are all very well documented, courtesy of countless interviews with main personalities who shaped her career - including a rare treat, interview with her first husband Ted White and his point of view about Franklin's first decade in recording business. Jerry Wexler, Clyde Otis and Clive Davis have their say. Non-musical anecdotes are amusing but not really quintessential info, after all it is the music that we love and salute when we talk about Aretha Franklin.

[Karl Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Nairobi's Village Market's second-hand book shop, a couple of copies of Mark Bego’s homage to Aretha caught my eye. Lover of both music and biographies, I MPesa’d my 800 bob and started reading. Detailed, yes – especially with Bego's discographical bent for filling the page – but engaging? Well, Aretha’s weight and wardrobe get ample mention, and some touching anecdotes about her early life in Detroit and her Reverend father pepper various chapters. And the photos in the middle told rather a nice story as much as Bego’s text. I quite liked his description of Aretha’s “landmark” year of 1967, and her dovetailing with developments in the ‘pop’ world; I was also astounded at the soon-to-be Motown legends that grew up in her father's parish - that must have been some church choir! But in the end, I was left tepid, simply waiting to get to the end is not much of a recommendation, I’m afraid. Top voice though: Aretha's that is, not the narrative...

[Tom Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Bego highlights the questions of Aretha's life: Who fathered her first two children born in her teen years and why does she cancel so many appearances? Is it fear or money issues? Bego can only surmise and though he has had a lot of personal access with the subject, comes up with nothing really revealing. Record collectors will appreciate the recording and session details on every album and we can chuckle at the KFC and Wal-Mart obsessions of the house-bound, ecceentric suburban recluse Queen of Soul.

[RainbowWriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant description nearly of Aretha's entire career until now. Contains also black-and-white photos of the Queen. I wanted to read this, because Aretha is one of my absolute favourite singers and I wanted to know about her life and personality. Hilarious and interesting biography. It doesn't tell every detail about her life, because the Queen of Soul doesn't want to reveal some hurting facts. This book is anyway worth buying for a true Aretha fan, because it's HUGE and those unrevealed facts guarantee that Aretha remains fascinating.