Aretha Franklin

Aretha Louise Franklin ( March 25 1942 – August 16 2018) was the undisputed, indomitable Queen of Soul, whose gospel-tinged R&B music displays one of the greatest and heralded voices in recording history. There are certain individuals that stand higher than their craft…Aretha Franklin was one of those people. Aretha wasn’t just a soul musician...she was a movement. They are countless individuals that have contributed to the sound of Soul music. But, there is not soul music without the sounds of Aretha Franklin…the music would be missing it’s soul. Aretha Franklin’s legendary voice is rightfully the center of most remembrances of the Queen of Soul. As one of the most celebrated and heralded voices in the history of music, her accolades and awards are numerous. Aretha placed more than 100 singles on the Billboard charts, including 17 Top 10 pop singles and 20 No. 1 R&B hits. She was the first female artist to place 70 songs on the Hot 100, and she’s tied with Stevie Wonder for the most No. 1s on Billboard’s R&B chart. She also received 20 Grammy Awards along with a lifetime achievement award in 1994. She was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in 1987, its second year. Rolling Stone gave the highest of praise to her when they dubbed her the “Greatest Singer of All Time” in 2010. Aretha sang in front of many presidents and royalty of the world. She sang at the inauguration of Barack Obama in 2009 that brought him to tears. In addition, she sang for Jimmy Carter in 1977 and Bill Clinton in 1993, and at both the Democratic National Convention and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral in 1968. There are so many singers who owe their careers to the foundation and stylings of Aretha Franklin. Mary J. Blige, soul royalty in her own right paid tribute to Aretha years back when she said: “Aretha is a gift from God. When it comes to expressing yourself through song, there is no one who can touch her. She is the reason why women want to sing.” That is truly high praise. I am of the mindset that the words Diva trendsetter and Boss were meant to describe Aretha Franklin. There is so much more to say for Aretha, that I will save it for the second part. Rest In Soul Paradise Aretha, you don’t have to ask for any more respect…its been long due and been given. Thank you for you legacy and all the ear candy. Ladies and gentlemen I bring to you the saaaangers of saaaaangers the soulstress Aretha Franklin…Black Diamond Style. Njoy and share the one of a kind experience.