Remembering the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin

Majesty and excellence were part of her life. She was the daughter of the Detroit Baptist preacher Rev. C. L. Franklin. Aretha Franklin was also her own woman who could play the piano, sing, and spoke up heroically in favor of human justice. Jazz, soul, gospel, opera, classical, R&B, and other genres of music were loved and performed by her. She motivated our consciousness and spoke enumerable truths that persist forevermore. She was an elegant, strong, and beautiful black woman who used her voice and her compassion to build up humanity. The following words will show information about her life and legacy. Certainly, it's sad news to report that Aretha Franklin is now passed away at the age of 76. She broke down barriers and was involved in the Civil Rights Movement. She was one of the greatest performers in history and many cite her as the greatest singer in human history. People of every background know of her music, of her courage, and of her strength. She sang an anthem for women empowerment called Respect. That galvanized so many social movements and it showed the truth that women are owed respect unconditionally. Memphis, Tennessee was the place of her birth and she was raised heavily in Detroit, Michigan which is the home of Motown.

Memphis and Detroit are two great American cities whose legacies involving music, culture, and social activism are transcendent. She made an album at the age of 14, which outlined her excellent talent. Her father helped her to sign her first recording deal with J.V.B. Records, where her first album, Songs of Faith, was issued in 1956. Franklin sometimes traveled with The Soul Stirrers during this time. During her 20's, she made classic musical records. Aretha Franklin represented black womanhood to the fullest. We know of her as a gracious, inspiring black woman who was on a mission to promote love, respect, and human togetherness. Loyalty, kindness, and inspirational love all personify her life. Her star shined greatly indeed. She was the Queen of Soul. She was in movies and in other music videos too. Her father was a pastor and a great friend of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. too. Dr. King knew Aretha Franklin as a great friend as well. In fact, Aretha Franklin gave concerts during the 1960's to fund Dr. King's SCLC. Also, Aretha Franklin's father role in the march in Detroit back in 1963 inspired Dr. King to speak at the 1963 March at Washington during August. On February 16, 1968, Aretha Franklin was honored with a day in her honor and was greeted by longtime friend Martin Luther King Jr. who gave her the SCLC Drum Beat Award for Musicians just two months before his death.

Many of the greatest songs that she sang were: Respect, Natural Woman, Chain of Fools, Think, My Song, Day Dreaming, A Rose is Still a Rose, Baby I Love You, I Say a Little Prayer, etc. She performed magnificently in the Blues Brothers film. Many people honor her wit, her gifts, and her commitment to civil rights. Aretha Franklin wanted to maintain her privacy and she was honest about music and life in general. Aretha Franklin always had spirituality as a cornerstone in her walk. Gospel music is included in her discography too not just soul or R&B albums (among a music career spanning over five decades). She just loved music and her Blackness always flourished. There are so many excellent Aretha's classics that they reach up all in your soul. Her family and friends visited her before her passing at a Detroit hospice.

Aretha Franklin was a Queen and she is with the ancestors now in spirit. Certainly, her voice, her passion for justice, her zeal for living, her compassion for her neighbors, and her love of truth are gifts from God. She gave total inspiration to especially black women and black girls to pursue their dreams and aspirations. She had a purpose and wanted humanity in general to express their lights brightly. Aretha Franklin used her artistry in a manifold of positive ways. She was indeed the greatest vocalist of human history. As a trailblazer, she will be greatly missed. We owe a lot to her being a woman of vision. We are all fans of Aretha Franklin. No one was like her before and no one will be like her afterwards. Her legacy is truly eternal.


Rest in Power Sister Aretha Franklin