Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com
Aretha Franklin passed away on Thursday, August 16 at 76. She is known for being one of the most talented and iconic voices in the music industry. Franklin fell ill to pancreatic cancer and has been battling the disease for some time.
According to TMZ, Franklin passed away at her Detroit home. Her family released a statement about her death.
“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our hearts. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family.”
Franklin’s health has been declining for the past few months. Supposedly the singer only weighed 86 pounds due to her health complications.
Her adoring fans, friends and other celebrities are mourning the loss of one of the greats.
“Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew
I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you
Life was so unkind
But you’re the key to
My peace of mind.”
Her voice/swagger was peerless.
Thank you, #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/5gp0OP10Jf— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 16, 2018
This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha & I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch. It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer,but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world pic.twitter.com/Px9zVB90MM
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) August 16, 2018
Mourning the loss today of @ArethaFranklin who shared her spirit and talent with the world. She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 16, 2018
The loss of @ArethaFranklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul and the Church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated – she was one of my favourite pianists. pic.twitter.com/ug5oZYywAz
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin, the ‘Queen of Soul,’ Dies at 76 via @NYTimes #RIPQueen 🕉 https://t.co/ZrzTrELug8
— Sterling K Brown (@SterlingKBrown) August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson singing “ooo baby baby” pic.twitter.com/OaHYdYrAu6
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) August 16, 2018
Our legends are passing away. Aretha Franklin was bold and brilliant her entire career. She wasn’t held up as an activist, but she was. She not only supported the Civil Rights Movement, but the Black Panthers and other activists throughout the generations.
She will be missed. pic.twitter.com/yKUykzmmGj
— Shaun King (@shaunking) August 16, 2018
The @AmericanIdol fam had the great privilege of working with the iconic Aretha Franklin for a special ep in Detroit. The world will miss her as she’s left an indelible mark on our culture. Her artistry & music will move & inspire us forever. Rest in peace to the Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/3LaOL6wvkn
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) August 16, 2018
We mourn the passing of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Her voice will keep lifting us, through the music she gave the world. Our thoughts are with her family, her loved ones and fans everywhere. Take her hand, precious Lord, and lead her home. 🎶 pic.twitter.com/I84HTEVZU1
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 16, 2018
There will never be another Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin is the embodiment of a soul blessed with a special gift. Grateful we have decades of recordings that will live on. Long Live The Queen. #RIPAretha
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) August 16, 2018
An unbelievable woman and voice. It was an honor to meet and perform with the Queen of Soul. RIP Aretha Franklin ❤️💔https://t.co/BQBtdPuoZO
— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) August 16, 2018
Today we have lost one of the greatest. She will always be remembered and admired. Aretha Franklin, rest in peace. We love you.
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) August 16, 2018
The greatest voice in American popular music has been stilled. Our beloved #ArethaFranklin has gone. For me, she was a musical lighthouse, guiding and inspiring with every note. I loved her so and love her still. Goodbye, Queen of Soul.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) August 16, 2018
Feeling overwhelmingly sad. Thank you Aretha Franklin for the gift of your voice and your soul. Rest in peace.
— Lester Holt (@LesterHoltNBC) August 16, 2018
RIP Aretha Franklin
— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017) August 16, 2018
Franklin was the first female to be inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She is known as the Queen of Soul. Franklin began her singing career at the ripe age of 14 singing gospel. Franklin moved to “secular” music at 18 and didn’t gain fame until she signed to Atlantic Records in 1967.
Franklin has a total of 42 studio albums, six live albums, 45 compilation albums and 131 singles. Out of her 131 singles, 112 charted on Billboard.
Her first album to Gold in the U.S. was I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You. It reached a peak number two on the U.S. charts and number one on the U.S. R&B charts. It came out in 1967 and featured her hit single “Respect.”
The Queen of Soul has numerous awards under her belt. She has 18 Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, a Critics’ Choice Movie Award, three NAACP Image Awards, a Kennedy Center Honors and Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Franklin wasn’t just good in the studio. Her raw talent shined during live performances. There are countless stories about how her ability to jump octaves and belt notes have shocked everyone. Notably, in 1998 she stepped in for Luciano Pavarotti at the Grammys. He was supposed to perform “Nessun Dorma” but canceled, so the Queen of Soul stepped in and nailed it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gCuyrKVDCs
She performed at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors for Carole King and President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. Franklin also sang during Obama’s 2009 inauguration.
She was a living icon and legend.
