Tributes flow for Aretha Franklin
The death of 76-year-old music icon Aretha Franklin has prompted figures across the spectrum, from politics to pop, to pay homage to her tremendous influence on American culture.
Franklin had been battling various undisclosed illnesses for years, and, in recent weeks, was receiving hospice care.
In a statement from her family, the official cause of death “was due to advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type”.
Tributes to the “Queen of Soul” have flowed in from entertainment figures.
“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,” singer and actress Barbra Streisand tweeted.
“Aretha was a rare treasure whose unmatched musical genius helped craft the soundtrack to the lives of so many,” fellow soul superstar Patti LaBelle said.
“I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin,” disco and soul star Diana Ross tweeted.
“The Queen of Soul. The Icon. The ultimate singers’ singer,” pop diva Mariah Carey tweeted.
“The power of your voice in music and in civil rights blew open the door for me and so many others.”
“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,” Beatles legend Paul McCartney tweeted.
“The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen,” tweeted pop superstar Elton John.
“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,” singer and actress Bette Midler tweeted.
The world of politics reacted with sorrow.
“Through her compositions and unmatched musicianship, Aretha helped define the American experience,” former president Barack Obama and wife Michelle said in a statement.
“In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade- our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect.
“She helped us feel more connected to each other, more hopeful, more human. And sometimes she helped us just forget about everything else and dance.”
President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences.
“The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!”
“Earth has lost a lot of music today,” civil rights leader Jesse Jackson said on local television. “She never stopped serving. She never stopped caring. She never stopped sharing. We thank her so much. We miss her already so much.”
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In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine put her at the top of its list of the 100 greatest singers of all time, male or female
Flowers and tributes have been placed on the star for Aretha Franklin on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
– with AFP
