Aretha Franklin Trivia Questions

Aretha sang the patriotic hymn in 2009, famously wearing a gray hat with a giant bow. It became one of the most iconic inauguration performances.

Aretha was self-taught on piano, learning by ear in church. She never attended Juilliard or received formal classical training.

She was ordained as a minister in the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit in 1978, and occasionally delivered sermons there.

She was terrified of flying and often toured by bus or private car. There is no record of her ever piloting an aircraft.

In 1961, she recorded 'Aretha Sings in French' for Columbia Records, showcasing her fluency. She had studied French in school and sang with a convincing accent.

While Aretha had many chart milestones, this specific record goes to other artists like Michael Jackson. She did have multiple simultaneous hits, but not albums.

Her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, was a major influence but never formally managed her. She later hired and fired other managers, not him.

Aretha was inducted in 1987 as the first female performer—a surprising fact since many assume it happened later or went to someone like Tina Turner.