10 Questions for Aretha Franklin

I can't say it was much like the average person's, my father being who he was, but it certainly provided a foundation and a guiding light for us. There was always really good gospel playing. No matter where you went in the house, there was always music. My father was also studying to be a theologian, and he had classes from time to time in the home. Other ministers would come in, and so we had to tone it down. That's what was going on in the house: the Word and a lot of music.

You're known for some of the world's most famous songs. What's your favorite?

Sean Williams

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y.

I have a lot of favorites. "Nessun Dorma," of course. "Respect." A lot of Curtis Mayfield's songs from Sparkle. But I don't have any one favorite.

So what does respect mean to you?

Glenda Ferguson

PAOLI, IND.

What does it mean to me? I heard it nicely phrased earlier today. You want to give people dignity and respect, and you want to receive it too.

How would you like to be remembered?

Gloria Walker

CINCINNATI, OHIO

I don't even think about anything like that. I just don't. I plan to be around. Never mind being remembered.

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