The definitive biography of the Queen of Soul from acclaimed music writer David Ritz. Aretha Franklin began life as the golden daughter of a progressive and promiscuous Baptist preacher. Raised without her mother, she was a gospel prodigy who gave birth to two sons in her teens and left them and her native Detroit for New York, where she struggled to find her true voice. It was not until 1967, when a white Jewish producer insisted she return to her...
Celebrity activism isn’t uncommon. In fact, it sometimes seems like many stars jump on the philanthropic bandwagon simply to boost their image. But historically, standing up and speaking out could be risky for entertainers. Here are eleven celebrities who took bold stands for change.