Aretha Franklin

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me.

Music is like breathing. It's what gets me through the day.

To me, the essence of soul is the ability to feel love and pain.

I sing because I can't speak about it.

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

Respect yourself and others will respect you.

I am my sister's keeper. I am my brother's keeper.

The music was my refuge.

You've got to love yourself first.

I think the best time to be alive was probably when you were a little bit younger.

Music does a lot for you.

I have a lot of inner conflict.

Freedom is something everybody deserves.

I am never satisfied with what I do.

The key to life is to figure out what you want and then go after it.

Soul is the music people understand.

I don't want to be a diva. I want to be a real person.

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.

I've always felt that music is healing.

You better think twice.