Aretha Franklin passes away

Aretha Louise Franklin passed away August 16, 2018 due to pancreatic cancer. She defined the Golden Age of music in the 1960’s.

Franklin grew up singing gospel with her mother who was a gospel singer. Her father was  pastor at The New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit. At age 18, she was signed to her first record deal and that’s where she sang her all time classics song, “Today I Sing the Blues.”

Franklin’s version of “Respect”  became an anthem since it came at a crucial point for  black activism, feminism, and sexual liberation in her time. In 1987, she became the first black woman to be  inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  She also won a Grammy for best soul/gospel performance in 1988, and was the subject of an all-star documentary tribute broadcast on public television.

¨She was an inspiration to me, and her music was always playing in our home,¨ said Natalie Davis, 10

She also sang “My country Tis of Thee” at the presidential inaugurations of Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter.

Franklin was a close friend to Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and as a result she was asked to sing at his funeral.

Aretha Franklin will always be known as the Queen Of Soul and will be forever missed by music lovers across the globe.