Franklin's Genre is SOUL. SOUL is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. It combines elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, and jazz. SOUL music became popular for dancing and listening in the United States, where record labels such as Motown, Atlantic, and Stax were influential during the Civil Rights Movement. Aretha Franklin was one of the most successful SOUL singers of all time, with hits such as 'RESPECT' and 'THINK'.