Who Were Aretha Franklin’s Backup Singers?

Aretha Franklin, also known as the Queen of Soul, was one of the most iconic singers of all time. Her powerful voice and soulful performances captivated audiences around the world. But behind every great singer is a team of talented musicians and backup singers who help bring their music to life. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the backup singers who worked with Aretha Franklin throughout her career.

The Sweet Inspirations

The Sweet Inspirations were a group of female backup singers who worked with Aretha Franklin during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The group was originally formed in 1967 by Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston, and included members Estelle Brown, Myrna Smith, and Sylvia Shemwell. The group’s soulful harmonies and powerful vocals were the perfect complement to Aretha’s own voice.

Estelle Brown

Estelle Brown was one of the founding members of The Sweet Inspirations. She was born in Greenville, Mississippi in 1932 and began singing in church at a young age. Brown’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence made her a standout member of the group. She continued to work with Aretha Franklin throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and also worked with other notable artists such as Elvis Presley and Wilson Pickett.

Myrna Smith

Myrna Smith was another founding member of The Sweet Inspirations. She was born in 1941 in Coffeyville, Kansas and began singing in church as a child. Smith’s soulful voice and impeccable timing made her a valuable member of the group. She continued to work with Aretha Franklin throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and also worked with other notable artists such as Van Morrison and Dusty Springfield.

Sylvia Shemwell

Sylvia Shemwell was the final founding member of The Sweet Inspirations. She was born in 1936 in New Orleans, Louisiana and began singing in church at a young age. Shemwell’s smooth, sultry voice added a unique dimension to the group’s sound. She continued to work with Aretha Franklin throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and also worked with other notable artists such as Elvis Presley and Dusty Springfield.

The Rev. James Cleveland’s Choir

The Rev. James Cleveland was a gospel singer and composer who worked closely with Aretha Franklin throughout her career. His choir, known as the Southern California Community Choir, provided backup vocals for many of Franklin’s most iconic songs.

Alex Bradford

Alex Bradford was a gospel singer and composer who worked with The Rev. James Cleveland’s choir. He was born in 1927 in Bessemer, Alabama and began singing in church at a young age. Bradford’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence made him a standout member of the choir. He continued to work with Aretha Franklin throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and also worked with other notable artists such as Ray Charles and Mahalia Jackson.

Brenda Bryant

Brenda Bryant was a member of The Rev. James Cleveland’s choir. She was born in 1947 in Los Angeles, California and began singing in church as a child. Bryant’s soulful voice and impeccable timing made her a valuable member of the choir. She continued to work with Aretha Franklin throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and also worked with other notable artists such as Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross.

Edna Wright

Edna Wright was another member of The Rev. James Cleveland’s choir. She was born in 1944 in Los Angeles, California and began singing in church at a young age. Wright’s smooth, sultry voice added a unique dimension to the choir’s sound. She continued to work with Aretha Franklin throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and also worked with other notable artists such as The Supremes and The Pointer Sisters.

The Aretha Franklin Orchestra

The Aretha Franklin Orchestra was a group of talented musicians who worked closely with the singer throughout her career. The group included a number of backup singers who provided harmonies and support for Franklin’s powerful vocals.

Margaret Branch

Margaret Branch was a backup singer who worked with the Aretha Franklin Orchestra. She was born in 1947 in Detroit, Michigan and began singing in church as a child. Branch’s soulful voice and dynamic stage presence made her a standout member of the group. She continued to work with Aretha Franklin throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and also worked with other notable artists such as Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross.

Pat Smith

Pat Smith was another backup singer who worked with the Aretha Franklin Orchestra. She was born in 1947 in Detroit, Michigan and began singing in church at a young age. Smith’s smooth, sultry voice added a unique dimension to the group’s sound. She continued to work with Aretha Franklin throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and also worked with other notable artists such as The Supremes and The Pointer Sisters.

Vicki Randle

Vicki Randle was a backup singer who worked with the Aretha Franklin Orchestra. She was born in 1954 in San Francisco, California and began singing in church as a child. Randle’s powerful voice and impeccable timing made her a valuable member of the group. She continued to work with Aretha Franklin throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and also worked with other notable artists such as Lionel Richie and Kenny Loggins.

Conclusion

Aretha Franklin’s backup singers were an essential part of her success as a singer and performer. From The Sweet Inspirations to The Rev. James Cleveland’s choir to the Aretha Franklin Orchestra, these talented musicians and vocalists helped bring Franklin’s music to life. Their soulful harmonies and powerful vocals added depth and dimension to Franklin’s already iconic sound. Today, their contributions continue to be celebrated and remembered as part of the legacy of the Queen of Soul.

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