Soul star Aretha Franklin was named by her peers as the singers' favourite singer of all time.

Franklin, best known for her 1967 hit song Respect, came first in a poll of 175 recording stars of all ages and nationalities who were asked to list their 10 favourite singers.

The poll was published in Britain's Mojo magazine, a monthly which caters for music fans.

The 56-year-old singer, known as the Queen of Soul, edged out Frank Sinatra, who came in second, as well as number three Ray Charles and number four John Lennon. Elvis Presley was number seven.

The magazine's features editor Paul Trynka said it was the first time Mojo had conducted such a poll.

Aretha Franklin: 'Blown away' by the news

"I'm not surprised she was number one, she is something of an icon for today's young women," he said.

Mojo went across a variety of music styles in deciding whom to poll, from Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Alice Cooper and Rod Stewart to newer singers like Tommy Scott of Space.

Ms Franklin told Mojo magazine she was "blown away" by the news that she had topped the list.