188 Quotes by Aretha Franklin

My generation, we came along, we had to really know our craft.

As a very small girl, I listened to Charlie Parker and loved him and Max Roach and people like that.

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.

I can say that my big records and my success have been due to the backing which Atlantic have put behind me.

The love of my life? I'm much too young to answer that question.

I paid my dues; I certainly did.

I love Wal-Mart, and not just because my record is there. You can get some things there that you cannot find at Saks or Bergdorf's or other upscale stores.

The term 'Sock it to me!' was a big, big thing in our neighborhood - all the kids were saying it.

I still have perfect diction!