What is Aretha Franklin's nickname?

Aretha Franklin's nickname was the Queen of Soul.

The title reflected her extraordinary command of gospel-infused singing, rhythm and blues, and pop-soul. Franklin began singing gospel as a child at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was a prominent preacher. Her powerful voice and expressive phrasing later helped define American soul music.

Franklin's breakthrough came after signing with Atlantic Records in the 1960s. Songs such as "Respect," "Chain of Fools," and "Think" made her an international star and cemented the nickname. She was also widely celebrated as a pianist, songwriter, and civil-rights-era cultural figure.

The nickname is sometimes confused with honorifics used for other artists, such as the King of Pop for Michael Jackson or the Queen of Pop for Madonna. "First Lady of Soul" has also been used informally for other singers, but the canonical nickname associated with Franklin is the Queen of Soul.