Erma Vernice Franklin was born on March 13, 1938 in Mississippi. She was raised in a musical family, with her father serving as a pastor at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. Her mother, Barbara, was a supportive figure in her life, encouraging Erma and her sisters Aretha and Carolyn to pursue their musical talents.
Erma attended Clark Atlanta University, where she studied Business. While she was focused on her education, her passion for music never wavered.
Erma began her music career singing gospel music in church choir. Her powerful voice and soulful delivery quickly caught the attention of audiences. She soon transitioned to recording secular music and gained fame for her soul hit "Piece of My Heart." The song became a classic and showcased Erma's vocal range and emotive performance style.
In 1990, Erma had the honor of performing at Nelson Mandela's rally at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, Michigan. She was thrilled to be able to use her voice to support such an important cause and to be a part of such a historic event.
Erma's impact on the music industry and on the lives of those who knew her will always be remembered. Her song "Piece of My Heart" continues to be a beloved classic, covered by artists such as Janis Joplin. Erma's sisters, Aretha and Carolyn, also left their mark on the music world, proving that talent truly ran in the Franklin family.
Erma Vernice Franklin may have passed away in 2002 at the age of 64, but her music and her spirit live on. She will always be remembered as a talented and influential figure in the world of music.