Some of Aretha Franklin's best work is found in the very place that launched her career, the church. Born into a very religious and politically influential family, these origins made a lasting impression on Aretha Franklin, and somewhat is responsible for her career. Her father, Rev. C.L. Franklin was a Civil Rights activists and one of the most popular ministers in Detroit. Scores of musicians and leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Sam Cooke, and Smokey Robinson flocked to Rev Franklin's church, New Bethel Baptist Church. Many artists in the Detroit community looked up to Rev. Franklin but admired his daughter's talent. They thought she would flourish in the musical world, and Aretha long to sing the music of her peers. But, the church culture frowned upon secular music and its industry, so it wasn't an easy transition. Rev. Franklin eventually relented. Possibly, he believed in his daughter and her undeniable talent and the assurance of the music savvy visitors who frequented New Bethel. Aretha came into her own singing, Rhythm and Blues. The emotionally charged feeling behind most of Aretha's voice, her vocalized spirituality, earned her the "Queen of Soul" title. She came full circle in her career recording "Amazing Grace" in 1972, her 3rd live studio album. That same year Aretha went U.S. gold with her hit "Rock Steady" off of "Young, Gifted, and Black". "Amazing Grace" went on to be the biggest selling live gospel album of all time, and won a 1973 Grammy award.
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