On August 16th we lost the person who is often regarded as the best singer of our time–Aretha Franklin. The diva had an incredible 65-year run in the music industry, a career that was so varied and illustrious, even her most passionate fans can’t name all of her triumphs.

To commemorate Franklin, we’ve compiled 7 of the most incredible facts about the singer that we could find. For all of you Aretha Franklin fanatics, we hope you learn something new, and to all of you newbies, we hope these tidbits inspire you to listen to more of the Queen of Soul’s music!

1. She faced tough challenges as a teenager

   Franklin became pregnant with her first child when she was just 12-years-old and gave birth to her second by the time she was 14. Though she didn’t like to talk about her early-in-life children with the press, it was reported by the Inquisitr that she was a still very much a part of their lives, even as she gained notoriety.

2. She released her first album at the age of 14

   Franklin’s musical roots were in the Baptist church, and her minister father did everything he could to nurture his young daughter’s talents. When Aretha was just 14, she released her first album, Songs of Faith, a record that would bring gospel music to the mainstream.

3. She was a vocal member of the Civil Rights Movement

   In 1963, Franklin’s father, legendary minister Clarence LaVaughn Franklin, organized what would be known as the predecessor to the March on Washington, the Walk of Freedom in Detroit. That’s when Martin Luther King Jr. first got acquainted with the young singer. From there, Aretha was by Dr. King’s side for several tour dates, supporting the famed human rights activist during one of the biggest turning points in American history.

4. She had her first #1 single in 1967

   Aretha Franklin was the most-charted female artist in American history, but she didn’t land her first number one until 1967 when she released “Respect.” Fun fact: “Respect” is actually an Otis Redding cover.

5. She was a favorite amongst American presidents

   You can see the Queen of Soul receiving the Presidential Medal of Honor from George W. Bush above, but that was far from the first time she received accolades from a sitting president. The first time she performed for a president was all the way back in 1977, for President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration. She would also go on to perform at Bill Clinton’s inauguration and, of course, President Barack Obama’s, too.

6. She inadvertently made a Detroit hatmaker famous

   When Franklin sang at President Barrack Obama’s inauguration, she wore a magnificent piece of headgear that quickly became known as simply “the hat.” Folks all over wanted to know where the singer had bought the bowed and rhinestoned creation. As it turns out, it was from a Detroit hatmaker by the name of Mr. Song Millinery, a man who was well-known in the area for creating derby-style headwear. As the story goes, Franklin went to him and there, the two designed the hat that now sits in the Smithsonian. Impressive!

7. She was laid to rest in the city that she loved

   Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but moved to Detroit with her minister father when she was still in grade school. Ever since then, the legendary singer considered Detroit her home. Recognizing her love for the city, Franklin’s family made arrangements for her public viewing and star-studded funeral to be in the place that she called home.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on all things Aretha Franklin! Were you surprised by any of these facts? What is your all-time favorite Aretha Franklin song? Do you think any other modern-day artists will come close to matching her legacy?