Quotes from Aretha Franklin

I love producing, writing. I rarely write with other writers unless I have a real great respect for them. Like Burt Bacharach, or Carole Sager, or Stevie Wonder. Somebody like Smokey - like that. Otherwise, I choose to write alone.

Sam Cooke had a huge influence on me. He left the gospel field at one point and went into the secular, and he had this huge hit, 'You Send Me.' Irma, my older sister, and I heard 'You Send Me' on the radio while we were driving through the South one night. We had to stop the car. We got out and danced around the car out on the highway.

I've met my share of guys who have insulted and assaulted my intelligence with their stories and games. I say hello and goodbye!

I'm really an old-fashioned girl - I like to be romanced.

Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that.

Beyonce is very outspoken on feminist issues. So I think that's good. That could be brought to the forefront more.

I don't feel one's personal medical condition is everybody's business. It just isn't something you advertise, and it's not open to discussion.

We didn't have music videos. You weren't an overnight sensation. You had to work at it and learn your craft: how to take care of your voice, how to pace your concerts, all that trial and error.

I was in my dad's church, his Baptist church, and I think the first song I ever performed was 'Jesus Be a Fence Around Me.'

I paid my dues; I certainly did.

I had not been in the jazz environment, having been brought up in the church. But once I got to New York, and I was signed to perform at The Village Gate and the Vanguard and clubs like that, and these - the Vanguard was one of the most elite, if not the most elite, jazz club out there.

My faith always has been and always will be important to me.

I donate heavily to the church and various churches in the Detroit community and food banks.