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BIO

Without knowing how to read music, Franklin taught herself to play the piano; at the young age of 12, she began to record songs and sing on gospel tours with her father. She signed her first record deal at age 18 with Columbia Records. In 1966 she moved to Atlantic Records, where she recorded many of her most iconic songs. In 1979 she began a 40-year friendship and partnership with Clive Davis, which produced a number of hit songs, including the highest charting and bestselling song of her career, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," a duet with George Michael. The legendary singer is one of the world's bestselling musical artists of all time, with more than 75 million records sold globally during her career. Her voice was identified as a "natural resource" by her home state of Michigan.

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Johnny Mathis' THE VOICE OF ROMANCE Tour is Coming to Bergen Performing Arts Center Photo
Johnny Mathis' THE VOICE OF ROMANCE Tour is Coming to Bergen Performing Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 23, 2025

bergenPAC (Bergen Performing Arts Center) will present the final concert date of entertainment icon Johnny Mathis' 'The Voice Of Romance' Tour and celebrates the 70-year career of his timeless music. Learn more!
Devon Allman Sets New 'Blues Summit' Album and Tour Photo
Devon Allman Sets New 'Blues Summit' Album and Tour
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 22, 2025

Devon Allman has announced the release of a new star-studded album, Blue Summit, accompanied by a tour that kicks off on August 7 in Baton Rouge, LA, wrapping up on Sept 12 at the iconic Telluride Blues & Brews festival.
Rhonda Hansome To Perform At TALE Storytelling Show At KGB Bar Red Room Photo
Rhonda Hansome To Perform At TALE Storytelling Show At KGB Bar Red Room
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 15, 2025

Actor/playwright/storyteller Rhonda 'Passion' Hansome will be among the performers featured at TALE on Friday, April 25 at the Red Room @ KGB Bar in Manhattan.
Harlem Jazz Series To Welcome Alex Harding Photo
Harlem Jazz Series To Welcome Alex Harding
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 10, 2025

Harlem Jazz Series welcomes the legendary Alex Harding on April 25, 2025! Known for his commanding presence on the baritone saxophone, Harding has played alongside some of the greatest names in jazz.
Jeremy Jordan and More Set for The Hylton Performing Arts Center 2025�"26 Season Photo
Jeremy Jordan and More Set for The Hylton Performing Arts Center 2025�"26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 10, 2025

The Hylton Performing Arts Center has revealed its 2025–26 season of performances, featuring a wide range of artists, ensembles, and productions as part of its four main series. Learn more!
Shelea To Star In ARETHA! WITH SHELEA AND THE PACIFIC SYMPHONY Premiering On PBS In M Photo
Shelea To Star In ARETHA! WITH SHELEA AND THE PACIFIC SYMPHONY Premiering On PBS In May
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 9, 2025

GRAMMY nominated singer/songwriter/pianist Sheléa will star in a new PBS special titled 'Aretha! With Sheléa and The Pacific Symphony' premiering on PBS stations beginning Friday, May 30.
The YellowHouse To Make Spire Center Debut In Benefit Concert To End Homelessness In Photo
The YellowHouse To Make Spire Center Debut In Benefit Concert To End Homelessness In August
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 8, 2025

Blues band The YellowHouse will make their Spire Center for Performing Arts debut on Saturday, August 23. As a band, their mission is to raise money for non-profits in their community.
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra to Honor Studio Executive Paul Broucek Photo
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra to Honor Studio Executive Paul Broucek
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 5, 2025

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) rolls out the red carpet for its 2025 Gala Celebration honoring esteemed studio executive Paul Broucek, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Music, who has made a global impact on the film and television industry, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Skirball Cultural Center's Ahmanson Ballroom in Los Angeles.
Broadway Alum Ryan Shaw Releases New Track 'Rising Up' Photo
Broadway Alum Ryan Shaw Releases New Track 'Rising Up'
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 4, 2025

Broadway alum and R&B vocal powerhouse Ryan Shaw has just released a brand new track, the inspirational “Rising Up,” featuring the Average White Band. Listen to it here!
Bizet's CARMEN and More Set for Dayton Performing Arts Alliance 2025�"2026 Season Photo
Bizet's CARMEN and More Set for Dayton Performing Arts Alliance 2025�"2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 3, 2025

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance has revealed its 2025–2026 Season in the Wintergarden of the Benjamin and Miriam Schuster Performing Arts Center. Learn more!
Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season Photo
Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 3, 2025

 Irvine Barclay Theatre, one of Orange County’s top performing arts venues, will kick off its 35th season of bringing top-tier artists to Southern California with a community celebration of music and dance.
Ryan Shaw and Ray Angry Unite for Reimagined 'Off Broadway' Album Photo
Ryan Shaw and Ray Angry Unite for Reimagined 'Off Broadway' Album
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 2, 2025

Vocal powerhouse Ryan Shaw and acclaimed pianist/composer/arranger Ray Angry (The Roots) have teamed up for Off Broadway, a new studio album featuring R&B, soul, jazz, rock, reggae, house, and classical-inspired takes on classic Broadway hits.
See Lorna Luft & Andrea McArdle and More at 54 Below in April Photo
See Lorna Luft & Andrea McArdle and More at 54 Below in April
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 28, 2025

Next month, 54 BELOW will presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Lorna Luft and Andrea McArdle, Marilyn Maye, and many more. See the full lineup here!
MINISTRY OF SOUND CLASSICAL Will Headline Show in Berkshire in July Photo
MINISTRY OF SOUND CLASSICAL Will Headline Show in Berkshire in July
by Stephi Wild - Mar 25, 2025

Ministry of Sound Classical, the orchestral celebration of dance music, will headline a huge outdoor show as part of Heritage Live Festival’s 2025 summer events in the stunning grounds of Englefield House, in Pangbourne near Reading, Berkshire.
BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Comes to Riverside Theatre Photo
BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Comes to Riverside Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Mar 25, 2025

 Riverside Theatre has announced the final production of the 2024-2025 season, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Learn more about this upcoming performance here!
Guitarist Greg Porée Returns To Sierra Madre Playhouse In April Photo
Guitarist Greg Porée Returns To Sierra Madre Playhouse In April
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 25, 2025

Guitarist Greg Porée, who launched his career as the musical director for Sonny & Cher, returns to Sierra Madre Playhouse to deliver an eclectic blend of jazz, funk and soul in an enchanting exploration of sound, on Sunday, April 13, 2025, 7:30 pm.
Video: First Look at BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Axelrod Performing Arts Ce Photo
Video: First Look at BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL at Axelrod Performing Arts Center
by Michael Major - Mar 24, 2025

Watch a first look video at Beautiful: The Carole King Musical! The musical follows the incredible journey of how Carol Klein of Brooklyn became Carole King, world-famous pop icon and hitmaker.
Mary Bridget Davies to Reprises Role in A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN at Bell Theater Photo
Mary Bridget Davies to Reprises Role in A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN at Bell Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2025

Bell Theater at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ. has unveiled the final show in its 2025 season. The rock musical A Night with Janis Joplin will close out the season. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Ledisi Unveils 'The Crown' Album Release Date and Tour Details Photo
Ledisi Unveils 'The Crown' Album Release Date and Tour Details
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 18, 2025

Grammy Award-winning artist Ledisi is set to reign supreme with the release of her highly anticipated 12th studio album, The Crown. Her album tour will kick off May 28 in Baltimore, MD.
Tamela and David Mann to Embark on ‘The Live Breathe Fight Tour’ Photo
Tamela and David Mann to Embark on ‘The Live Breathe Fight Tour’
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025

Award-winning power couple Tamela and David Mann are bringing faith, family, and phenomenal music together like never before with The Live Breathe Fight Tour – a must-see event uniting some of gospel’s most powerful voices.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Aretha Franklin written?

Aretha Franklin has written 1 shows including A Night With Janis Joplin (Composer).

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