Aretha Franklin Remembered As The Legend She Is

August 16, 2018

https://twitter.com/9thwonder/status/1030093664717078528

It tends to be hyperbole to say something along the lines of “the world lost a legend”, but here it is nothing less than the simplest and most direct manner to describe the death of Aretha Franklin. The soul singer, who will always be remembered for her thunderous voice, and her hits, including “Respect”, “(You Make Me Feel) Like A Natural Woman” and “Spanish Harlem”.

The singer passed away in Detroit this morning at 9:50 AM EST time. She was 76. Her family released a statement to NBC News which read:

“In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins knew no bounds.

“We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time”.

Aretha Franklin’s influence was wide felt, and indeed, she remains one of the bedrocks of music, of a strong voice, of an expression of pain or joy or anything in between. Aretha Franklin famously performed at the Barack Obama Presidential Inaguration, the the 44th President and First Lady mourned the singer in a pair of beautiful posts.

Watching Aretha Franklin perform at the White House, and on so many other occasions, made time stand still. @BarackObama and I are holding Aretha’s family in our hearts right now. She will forever be our Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/NhHsbKijpl

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) August 16, 2018

https://www.facebook.com/barackobama/posts/10156086776556749

Likewise, actor Don Cheadle remembered the singer for just her warm and gregarious nature by showing off some texts the pair shared, and a conversation the duo had. I mean, if I had Aretha Franklin texting me, I would never delete my texts. I couldn’t even imagine it!

https://twitter.com/DonCheadle/status/1030116058495995905

https://twitter.com/DonCheadle/status/1030116921868316672

https://twitter.com/DonCheadle/status/1030117885958545408

https://twitter.com/DonCheadle/status/1030118728338300928

https://twitter.com/DonCheadle/status/1030119698967318529

Overall however, the internet needed no prompting to share their favorite factoids, memories and just general love of a legend.

Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. #Aretha

— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018

Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 16, 2018

https://twitter.com/gabeliedman/status/1030139893463179264

RIP Aretha Franklin what a voice x

— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) August 16, 2018

Although nothing could describe the towering figure greater than her own music.

What are your favorite Aretha Franklin performances? What are your favorite Aretha Franklin memories? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter at @WhatsTrending.