Aretha: From These Roots

by David Ritz and Aretha Franklin

Book Overview

Her soulful, soaring voice has earned her mythic status. Now, in her own moving words, the woman behind the myth is revealed. The result is a captivating self-portrait of one of this century's most... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375500332
• ISBN13: 9780375500336
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Villard
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.23 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Excellant choice

Glad I ordered this book. Gave detail insight into Miss Franklins life. I recommend it to any and all of her fans.

Enjoyed The Queen of Soul's From These Roots

I'm surprised at all of the negative reviews of From These Roots. I checked this book out from the library twice and read it through both times. While reading it I felt as if I were sitting having a cup of coffee or tea with a good friend. I don't need to know the names of Aretha's babies' daddies, and I'm not gonna judge her for being a young unwed teenager. Her having babies as a teenager is not news to most people who grew up in the 60's and 70's. Everyone has always known that, and they were proud that she accomplished so much in spite of it. Not proud that she was a teenaged parent, but proud that she overcome all obstacles to achieve her dream. I'm quite sure that it must have been very hard on her at that young age. God only knows what she went through. Thank God that she excelled in her music. If not, she would be somewhere living in some projects in the ghetto, and living off of welfare and food stamps, and putting up with crap from her babies' daddies. Then, she would not be the Queen of Soul, and her name would not be a household word. And another thing, I don't believe that her father just shrugged her pregnancies off with an "oh well, that's that." I know that he was probably devastated when he found out that his young unmarried teenage daughter was pregnant. But, what was he suppose to do, condemn her and kick her out? I'm quite sure that he reprimanded her, but he also supported her to help her get through the hard times. Which is probably why she was able to become as successful as she is. Love ya' Aretha, and may you forever reign as the Queen of Soul.

Very, very good reading!

I am a big fan of Lady Soul and I found this book opened a lot about her personal life; some good and some not so good. I am very happy that the part of about her mother leaving her has been made clear. I can not imagine her having to deal with all the negatives lies that have been told about her mother all these years. She revealed what she felt so should reveal since after all she in entitles to a private life too. I really did so enjoy hearing about all the old black stars like Sam Cooke,Dianh Washington to name a few that she learned so much from. There is a lot of Black History in this book and I really did enjoy reading it.

Better than I ever imagined

I love this book because Aretha puts right the myths that have surrounded her life and lets people know the real Aretha so people stop making it up for themselves and looking too deeply into her lyrics for hidden meanings that don't exist. Also my mouth watered all the way through the book with her many references to food and I can't wait till the cookbook comes out. I like the way that Aretha makes you feel the good times and the bad but without dwelling too much on things we don't need to know.

I really enjoyed reading the book.

Aretha certainly told you what she wanted to know and left you guessing about other things. The book is easy reading it only took me two and half days and that is only because I had to work. She tells about her men and the musician that she didn't get along with or she did respect. It was a really interesting book. If you think she is going to really Dog people out it is not going to happen.

DYNAMITE/OFF THE HOOK..WANTED MORE TO READ!

REE REE *AIN'T NO WAY THIS BOOK CAN FAIL WRITTEN WITH LOVING ALL THE HURT AWAY CAUSE A ROSE IS STILL A ROSE. I'M STILL JUMPING TO IT WHILE GOING THUR THE STORM CAUSE REE IS PROVING IT THAT SHE IS THE QUEEN THAT DEMAND RESPECT!