Erma Franklin
Erma Vernice Franklin (
March 13,
1938 â€"
September 7,
2002) was an
American soul,
rhythm and blues, and
pop singer. Her best known record is the original version of "
Piece of My Heart," later
covered in a different arrangement by
Janis Joplin, British soul singer
Beverley Knight and used as the basis of a song by
Shaggy.
She was born in
Shelby, Mississippi, but moved several times during her childhood before settling in
Detroit, Michigan. Her mother Barbara, who was a gospel singer, left the family when she, her two sisters, and her brother were young children. Erma and her sisters,
Aretha and
Carolyn, sang at their father's, Reverend Clarence L. Franklin, Detroit-area Baptist church. Aretha went on to great fame. Carolyn, like Erma, was a struggling musician. Their brother, Cecil, became a minister like their father and managed Aretha's career for a while.
Her career was hampered by misfortune and by contracts with recording companies who could not find appropriate material for her. In the
1970s she left the music business, apart from engagements with her sister
Aretha. She died in
2002 after a long battle with throat
cancer. In addition to Aretha, she was survived by her daughter Sabrina.
*"
Piece of My Heart"
*"
Gotta Find Me a Lover (24 Hours a Day)"
*
Erma Franklin interview*
Erma Franklin tribute*
Erma Franklin's discography
