In Memoriam
Aretha Franklin
March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018 · aged 76
Soul · R&B · Gospel
Aretha Louise Franklin was the undisputed 'Queen of Soul' and one of the most transcendent vocalists in American history. Born in Memphis in 1942, she took the fiery, emotional power of gospel music and seamlessly translated it into secular R&B and pop. Her 1967 cover of Otis Redding's 'Respect' not only became her signature song but served as a monumental anthem for both the civil rights and feminist movements. Franklin possessed an unmatched, soaring mezzo-soprano voice and brilliant piano skills, scoring over 100 charting singles on Billboard. She was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and performed at the inaugurations of three US presidents. After a long battle with a rare form of pancreatic cancer, Franklin passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 76. Her crown as the ultimate sovereign of soul remains eternally unchallenged.
Milestones
Respect, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Think
Chart legacy
- 1985: Freeway of Love (US #43)
- 1987: I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) (UK #18), I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) (DE #30), I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) (US #36)
Also remembered in 2018
- Avicii (1989–2018)
- Dolores O'Riordan (1971–2018)
- Mac Miller (1992–2018)
- Vinnie Paul (1964–2018)