Aretha Franklin is set to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame later this year.
The soul singer is one of six acts to receive the honour this year and will join the ranks of previously inducted Hall of Famers Dolly Parton and Elvis at a ceremony on August 14 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, reports AP via the NY Daily News.
Franklin’s 1972 record “Amazing Grace” is one of the best-selling gospel albums ever made, selling over two million copies worldwide. This summer Ricky Skaggs, the Hoppers, Dallas Holm, Rex Humbard and Love Song will also join the other 150 artists already in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
At the start of the year, Aretha Franklin called off her engagement to long-term friend William ‘Willie’ Wilkerson. The legend, who had been married twice before, announced their plans to tie the knot over the summer, but then said that she realised things were “moving a little too fast”.
Franklin released her latest album A Woman Falling Out Of Love last year, her first studio LP since 2003’s So Damn Happy. She recently returned to performing after recovering from a serious illness that saw her lose over six stone in weight.