Aretha Franklin | Photo credit: latimes.com

A few days ago, reports about The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin’s serious condition dominated the social media. Now, we are saddened to say that she’s gone to the afterlife. While we mourn her passing, the thought of her tremendous musical heritage offers so much comfort to the whole world. So here’s a brief look back to the wonderful life and musical journey of Franklin that made her become one of the greatest singers of the modern times. It may not represent the whole of her life and music but it provides us with a glimpse of the path she had once tread on.

Her Immense Contributions

Just like other artists who rose to fame in the music industry including Elvis Presley, Franklin’s greatest musical influence rooted in the church. In an interview with Dr. Deborah Pollard, a gospel music professor from Detroit, she discusses how significant her upbringing in the New Bethel Baptist Church was to her music. She went on to become a gospel ingenue and soon enough, collectives began raising their voices to her gospel tunes. More than that, the souls that her music touched and led to the Almighty can’t ever be paid.

Her performance at the inauguration of then-President, Brack Obama in 2009 would remain unbeatable. There could never be any performance by a great artist who was as impactful as that has been. Her voice and songs brought no less than the United States’ president to tears, but not of desperation or indignity, rather of joy and honor.

What She Taught Us about Respect

In 1967, Franklin made yet another essential event in the music history when she released her cover of the song “Respect” first made popular by Otis Redding. Her version topped both the R&B and pop charts. Likewise, the record earned her the first two of her 18 Grammy Awards. That further cemented her reputation as The Queen of Soul. But what put great significance to her record was her powerful interpretation of the word “respect.” Redefining the word by putting some inspiration and sensibility to the lyrics drove many feminist and civil rights groups made her song their anthem.

Some Notable Recordings and Performances

Prior to recording “Respect,” Franklin had already achieved much success in her career. That comes with the numerous songs she’s released to a great acclaim.  Below are selected recordings of Franklin. These songs partly highlight her salient inputs to soul music history. True enough, the “Soul Lady” may have left but her music will forever be celebrated.

Dr. Feel Good (Love is a Serious Business), 1967

I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Loved You), 1967

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZULpxWcUZyE

Ain’t No Way (1968)

I Say a Little Prayer, 1968

Don’t Play that Song, 1970

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