11 Facts About Erma Franklin

Erma Vernice Franklin was an American gospel and soul singer.

Erma Franklin was raised in Detroit, Michigan, where her father was pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church.

Erma Franklin was raised by both parents until the age of 10, when her parents separated for the final time.

Erma Franklin's mother took her eldest sibling, half-brother Vaughn, with her to Buffalo, New York, in 1948.

Erma Franklin studied Business at Clark Atlanta University.

Erma Franklin sang backup for her sister Aretha on Aretha's signature tune "Respect".

In 1967, Erma Franklin sang the original version of "Piece of My Heart", which was a top 10 soul hit in the US and rose to number 62 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Erma Franklin told an interviewer that when she first heard Janis Joplin's version on the radio, she did not recognize it because of the vocal arrangement.

Erma Franklin married Thomas Garrett and gave birth to their two children: Thomas Jr.

For 25 years, Erma Franklin worked for the Boysville Holy Cross Community Center, a Detroit organization that helps homeless and disadvantaged minority children.

Erma Franklin died of cancer in Detroit, on September 7,2002, aged 64.