Erma Franklin, 64; Sang Backup for Her Sister Aretha

Erma Franklin, 64, a Grammy-nominated recording artist who at times backed up her sister Aretha, died Saturday of cancer at her home in Detroit.

Franklin spent most of the last three decades working for Boysville of Michigan, helping at-risk children.

Her biggest hit, “Piece of My Heart,” was released in 1967 and was nominated for a Grammy Award the following year. The song was revived in a Levi’s jeans commercial in Europe in 1992.

Franklin was born in Memphis, Tenn., and started her singing career at age 5. Erma Franklin and her sister Carolyn, who died of cancer in 1988, sang backup on Aretha’s “Respect,” and some credit Erma with creating the “sock-it-to-me” refrain.