The “Queen Of Soul” Aretha Franklin Had A Career That Deserves Your Respect

She Has Some Famous Childhood Friends

Photo Credit: Larry French/BET/Getty Images for BET

It’s not too surprising that growing up in Detroit, Aretha Franklin rubbed shoulders with some other prominent musicians of her era, but she had some early run-ins with another musician who would leave a lasting impression on the music industry.

Franklin’s brother was best friends with the legendary Smokey Robinson, and the two quickly formed a friendship of their own. Robinson had a huge impact on the Motown feel of Detroit, starting off as the frontman of the Miracles, and was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.