Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” is more than just an icon of music history. Renowned for her unparalleled voice, emotional depth, and groundbreaking contributions to the worlds of soul, gospel, and pop music, she remains an indelible force in the cultural fabric of America and the world. But beyond the bright lights of the stage and the roar of applause from audiences worldwide, Aretha was also a woman of profound personal interests, pursuits, and passions. These passions—some private, others shared with the world—paint a portrait of a multi-dimensional figure whose love for life and creativity extended far beyond the realm of music.

In this article, we will delve into the hobbies and pastimes that helped shape Aretha Franklin’s personal world, revealing the intimate side of a legend whose life was as rich and diverse as her music. Aretha’s interests in music, cooking, literature, fashion, and family life offer an intimate glimpse of the woman behind the voice, showcasing the many ways in which she sought fulfillment and joy outside of the spotlight.

1. Music and Performance: The Heart of Her Passion

At the core of Aretha Franklin’s life was, of course, music. From a young age, Aretha’s relationship with music was profound—an intrinsic part of her very being. Born into a musical family in Memphis, Tennessee, her love for music began with her father, the influential Reverend C.L. Franklin, a celebrated preacher and vocalist in his own right. His home was filled with music, particularly gospel, and it was there that Aretha developed her first love: the piano.

As one of the world’s most celebrated singers and musicians, Aretha’s passion for music never waned. While she became a global superstar, her love for the craft always stayed personal. When she wasn’t performing, Aretha often could be found in her home, playing the piano. Whether it was for pleasure, for self-reflection, or for experimentation, she would frequently compose and explore new melodies, always looking for ways to expand her musical boundaries. Music was a constant thread that connected her to her past, her emotions, and her deep spirituality.

One of the central genres that shaped her, as both an artist and a person, was gospel music. It was gospel music that gave Aretha her vocal identity. The passion and emotional range required to perform gospel resonated with her deeply, and she often found herself turning back to gospel in moments of reflection or inner conflict. For Aretha, singing was not merely a career or a way to earn a living; it was a form of spiritual nourishment. In fact, one of her most beloved albums, Amazing Grace (1972), is a live gospel recording that captures the singer in her most raw and unguarded state, reaffirming her deep ties to the genre and to the church.

Aretha’s connection to music was a constant; even when she wasn’t performing in front of an audience, music remained a vital part of her private life. For Aretha, music was the language through which she communicated her deepest feelings. She would spend hours at the piano, improvising, composing, and engaging with the music in a way that few people would ever have the chance to experience. Her joy was not only in singing but in creating and experimenting with the sounds that had defined her career.

2. Cooking: A Personal Delight

Although Aretha Franklin’s name is forever synonymous with powerful vocal performances, she also found immense joy and solace in the kitchen. Far from the demanding pressures of recording studios and concert stages, cooking was a personal form of relaxation and expression for the Queen of Soul. She often spoke fondly of her love for preparing soul food—dishes that carried deep cultural significance and a sense of comfort.

Aretha’s culinary repertoire included all the Southern staples that are associated with the African American experience. Fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potato pie were among her favorites, and she enjoyed preparing these dishes with the same passion and attention to detail that she applied to her music. For Aretha, cooking was not just about food; it was about bringing people together. She would often host family gatherings, and the kitchen would be at the center of it all. These intimate moments provided a much-needed escape from her high-profile career, offering a space where she could connect with her loved ones in a quiet and nurturing way.

In fact, Aretha’s culinary skills were so well known that she published a cookbook, Aretha: From These Roots, which was released in 1999. The cookbook not only featured her favorite recipes but also reflected her deep ties to her Southern upbringing. Aretha’s love of cooking was more than just a pastime—it was an expression of her roots, her identity, and her desire to nurture those around her. As she once said, “There’s nothing like home-cooked meals to bring people together.” Whether she was preparing a meal for family or sharing her love of food with the public, Aretha’s cooking was a reflection of her love for life, family, and tradition.

3. Reading: Intellectual Curiosity

Despite her fame and busy schedule, Aretha Franklin was also a voracious reader. Her intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the musical world, and she enjoyed immersing herself in books across a variety of genres. She had a particular interest in African American history and culture, frequently reading works that examined the lives, struggles, and achievements of Black people throughout history. This interest was deeply personal, as it connected Aretha to her own sense of identity and purpose.

In addition to works of history and culture, Aretha was also drawn to spiritual literature and autobiographies. The lessons of faith and resilience that she found in these books resonated deeply with her own life experiences. For Aretha, reading was a form of self-education, allowing her to constantly grow and learn. She appreciated both fiction and non-fiction, with her library containing a wide range of works from authors like Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison. These books offered Aretha a form of escape, a way to reflect, and a means of intellectual engagement that allowed her to stay connected to her broader sense of purpose.

4. Fashion: An Expression of Individuality

For Aretha Franklin, fashion was more than just clothing—it was an art form and a powerful way to communicate her sense of self. Known for her bold and elegant fashion choices, Aretha saw her wardrobe as an extension of her personality, a way to make a statement without saying a word. Whether performing on stage or walking the red carpet, Aretha’s attire was always carefully chosen to reflect her style, confidence, and individuality.

Her love for fashion extended beyond just looking good—it was about expressing her power and sovereignty as a woman in a male-dominated industry. From the voluminous fur coats she wore onstage to the glamorous gowns she donned at public events, Aretha’s style was undeniably hers. She was unapologetic in her choices, whether it was a dramatic statement piece or an understated yet powerful ensemble.

Aretha’s relationship with fashion was also tied to her self-image. She understood that her appearance sent a message and that fashion was a way for her to feel confident and empowered. She would often wear hats, gowns, and accessories that made her feel like the queen she was, making it clear that her presence was regal, both on and off the stage.

In a sense, Aretha’s fashion choices were yet another way she claimed her autonomy. She was not just a musical icon—she was a trendsetter who knew how to use fashion to elevate her status as an artist and a woman.

5. Socializing and Family Time: Centered on Loved Ones

Though Aretha Franklin was a global superstar, her heart always remained with her family and loved ones. Away from the spotlight, she was known for her devotion to her children, her siblings, and her close circle of friends. Socializing, for Aretha, was less about glamorous parties and more about intimate, meaningful connections. She would often host small family gatherings, cook meals, and engage in relaxed conversation, finding joy in the presence of those who loved her unconditionally.

Family was at the center of Aretha’s personal life. As a mother of four children, she found immense joy in spending time with them and sharing experiences that weren’t dictated by her fame. Whether it was watching movies, playing games, or simply chatting about life, these moments were precious to her. Aretha often spoke about the love she had for her children and the importance of staying grounded in her role as a mother.

At her core, Aretha was deeply connected to her roots, and this sense of connection was most evident in her time spent with family and close friends. Despite her global fame, Aretha never lost sight of what truly mattered—those closest to her, the people who had always been there for her.

Conclusion: A Woman of Depth and Heart

Aretha Franklin was more than just the Queen of Soul. She was a woman of many passions, interests, and hobbies that reflected the depth of her character. Whether it was her love for music, her joy in cooking, her intellectual curiosity, her bold sense of fashion, or the time she spent with her family, Aretha’s life was a beautiful tapestry of creativity, love, and joy.

Her hobbies, though often overshadowed by her legendary musical career, were essential to the woman she was. They offered her comfort, solace, and fulfillment, even in the face of the pressures and challenges that came with fame. Aretha Franklin’s hobbies and pastimes remind us that even the most iconic figures are human—individuals with a rich inner life, personal joys, and a desire to connect with others. Through her music, her cooking, her reading, her fashion, and her time spent with family, Aretha Franklin’s legacy continues to inspire us, not only as a musical genius but as a woman who embraced all the beautiful complexities of life.