Introduction to Aretha Franklin’s Fame and Fear of Flying

Aretha Franklin was much more than the “Queen of Soul.” She was a force of nature, a musical genius whose voice reverberated across generations and transcended genres. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1942, she rose from her gospel roots to become a defining voice in the worlds of soul, R&B, and pop. With 18 Grammy Awards, a slew of iconic hits like “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” and “Think,” and an indelible mark on American culture, Franklin’s career was nothing short of legendary.

However, her journey to becoming one of the most revered figures in music was not without its challenges. While her voice could soar to unimaginable heights, Aretha Franklin herself preferred to keep her feet firmly on the ground—literally. A rarely discussed aspect of Franklin’s life was her intense fear of flying, or aviophobia. For someone with global fame, this phobia had profound implications on her career, from limiting her international tours to shaping how she navigated her stardom.

The Origin of Her Aviophobia (Fear of Flying)

Aretha Franklin’s fear of flying wasn’t something that haunted her from the beginning of her career. In fact, she did travel by air during the early stages of her ascent in the music industry. So, what led to this fear that would later define her life choices?

Many sources cite a specific flight in the early 1980s as the pivotal moment when her fear of flying became all-consuming. In an interview, Franklin recalled a particularly turbulent flight in 1984 that shook her to the core. While turbulence is common and typically not cause for alarm, for Franklin, it was an experience that left her emotionally rattled and deeply anxious about air travel going forward.

From that point on, Franklin avoided air travel whenever possible. Her fear wasn’t simply about turbulence or the mechanics of flying; it became intertwined with a larger sense of anxiety about losing control in an environment where she couldn’t intervene or escape. As someone who commanded such mastery in her performances and creative output, being rendered powerless in the confined cabin of an airplane was, for Franklin, an untenable prospect.

While Franklin’s fear of flying may seem surprising for a celebrity of her stature, it’s not uncommon among individuals who experience high levels of control in their personal and professional lives. The notion of surrendering that control—entrusting their safety to pilots and the mechanics of a machine—can lead to profound unease. For Franklin, this fear eventually manifested as a full-fledged phobia, dictating how she traveled and, subsequently, how she planned her career.

Impact on Her Tours and Career

As her aviophobia intensified, it inevitably affected her ability to tour internationally, a critical aspect of maintaining global stardom for most artists. While Franklin continued to perform extensively in the United States, she gradually stopped accepting offers for international shows due to her fear of flying. For decades, Franklin relied on buses, trains, and personal automobiles to navigate her domestic tours.

The implications of this decision were significant. By the 1970s and 1980s, the era of the global music superstar was in full swing. International touring was not just a way for musicians to expand their audience but also to solidify their status as global icons. Artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Elton John were crisscrossing continents, performing in stadiums packed with adoring fans. Franklin, meanwhile, was largely confined to North America due to her refusal to fly.

Despite offers from promoters across Europe, Asia, and beyond, Franklin turned down many lucrative opportunities to perform abroad. One such instance occurred in 1989, when she was invited to perform at a royal charity event in London, but had to decline due to her aviophobia. Even in 2017, when she was offered the prestigious opportunity to perform for Pope Francis during his U.S. visit, she traveled by bus to Philadelphia rather than take a quick flight.

In 2010, Franklin even canceled an anticipated international tour in the U.K. and elsewhere, citing “travel issues.” For many of her fans outside the U.S., the chance to witness her iconic performances live simply never came to pass.

However, Franklin’s limitations on international travel didn’t dampen her impact. She found alternative ways to stay connected with her global audience. With the advent of television specials, live recordings, and digital media, Franklin’s music and performances were broadcast across the world, reaching fans in ways that weren’t possible earlier in her career. Her voice traveled where her body could not, proving that even a fear of flying couldn’t cage the power of her talent.

Personal Struggles and Coping Mechanisms

For someone as determined and accomplished as Aretha Franklin, the aviophobia she developed must have been particularly frustrating. After all, this was a woman who had broken racial and gender barriers in an industry dominated by men and had overcome numerous personal hardships to rise to the top. But like many who suffer from phobias, the fear of flying was not something she could simply will away.

Over the years, Franklin did make attempts to overcome her fear. In interviews, she spoke about seeking therapy to address her anxiety around flying, but it appears that none of the methods she tried—including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—proved effective enough for her to regain comfort in the air. There were even reports that Franklin considered hypnotherapy as a potential remedy, a common technique for individuals with aviophobia. However, there is no evidence to suggest she underwent such treatment.

At times, Franklin expressed a desire to beat the fear and return to the skies. In a 2014 interview with The New Yorker, Franklin shared that she had taken steps to overcome her phobia, including watching instructional videos about aviation safety. Yet, despite her efforts, the fear persisted, and Franklin continued to rely on alternative means of transportation.

Legacy and Enduring Popularity Despite the Fear

It is a testament to Aretha Franklin’s greatness that, despite her reluctance to fly and the limitations it placed on her career, she remained one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the history of music. While her aviophobia may have kept her grounded in a literal sense, it did nothing to diminish her soaring legacy.

Franklin’s ability to maintain her status as a global icon without extensively touring internationally speaks volumes about the power of her music. In a world where many artists rely on constant visibility and global performances to stay relevant, Franklin’s voice did the traveling for her. Her albums sold millions of copies worldwide, and her timeless hits became staples in every corner of the globe.

Moreover, her performances in the United States were nothing short of legendary. When Franklin did perform, her presence was magnetic, and she imbued every song with the depth of emotion and skill that earned her the title “Queen of Soul.” From her electrifying rendition of “Natural Woman” at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors to her jaw-dropping performance of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration, Franklin’s live performances captivated audiences, whether they were seated in the front row or watching from halfway across the world.

In the age of televised events and digital media, Aretha Franklin’s reach extended far beyond any physical limitations. She performed at significant events, often broadcast worldwide, ensuring her presence was felt globally, even if she herself wasn’t crossing borders. For example, her performance of “I Never Loved a Man” at the Montreux Jazz Festival, later televised, reached fans she could not visit personally.

Franklin’s career, marked by incredible highs and deeply personal challenges, showcases the resilience of a woman who, even when faced with obstacles, remained an icon of strength and artistry. While her fear of flying may have clipped her wings in one sense, it never diminished her ability to rise above. Her voice, filled with conviction, power, and unmatched emotion, ensured that Aretha Franklin would forever remain a global phenomenon, her music transcending not just borders but time itself.

Conclusion

Aretha Franklin’s fear of flying was a significant, albeit lesser-known, aspect of her life. It shaped her choices, affected her ability to tour, and yet, in true Franklin fashion, she found a way to maintain her legendary status. Despite her phobia, her voice remained untethered, traveling to the farthest reaches of the world. Her legacy is a reminder that true greatness doesn’t require constant movement—sometimes, the most powerful voices are those that stay grounded.