Freddie Mercury holds a special place as the preferred singer of your favorite artists. The lead vocalist of Queen revolutionized the role of a front man with his commanding voice and audacious stage presence. He lent his remarkable vocals to legendary rock anthems such as the six-minute operatic "Bohemian Rhapsody" and the iconic "Don’t Stop Me Now," contributing to some of the most celebrated rock songs ever.
Freddie Mercury's impact has consistently earned admiration from subsequent rock legends, with Dave Grohl even declaring him the ultimate front man. His influence extends to numerous musicians, including his contemporary and collaborator David Bowie, as well as Nirvana's front man Kurt Cobain. Mercury rightfully secured a permanent place in music history and gained the title of the favorite singer for countless individuals.
Interestingly, Freddie Mercury himself revealed his favorite singer in his autobiographical work "Freddie Mercury: A Life, In His Own Words." He expressed deep admiration for none other than the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, placing her "above all other singers."
Mercury's sentiment is widely shared, as Aretha Franklin's discography boasts over 75 million records sold, featuring timeless hits like "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and "Respect." Many of her songs have become indelible marks in the tapestry of music history. Mercury emphasized how effortlessly Franklin's vocals seemed to flow, acknowledging, "I wish I could sing half as well as she does. It’s so natural, and she puts her whole emotion into it. Each word she sings is so full of meaning and expression. I could listen to it forever. I can still see Aretha as part of my world."
Among Franklin's works, Mercury held a particular fondness for "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," citing it as one of his personal favorites. Penned by Gerry Goffin, Franklin released this piano-driven ballad in 1967, characterized by soaring strings and her commanding layered vocals as she proclaims a newfound sense of purpose.
Mercury's appreciation for Franklin extended beyond her hits, encompassing her entire body of work. He expressed admiration for her gospel album "Amazing Grace," from which he drew inspiration. He even entertained the idea of having Aretha Franklin cover Queen's "Somebody To Love," a track that undoubtedly reflects the influence of Franklin's soulful style. Although we never had the opportunity to hear Franklin's rendition of the song, one can imagine how her distinctive vocals would have added another layer of potency to the already powerful track.