Aretha Franklin (Fred A. Sabine / NBC / NBCU Photo Gallery / Getty Images)
Aretha Franklin (1942 – 2018) was affectionately called “The Queen of Soul.” Blessed with an incredible voice, she was a giant of soul music. Franklin’s signature song was her version of Otis Redding’s “Respect,” released in 1967. Her many hit songs included “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Women,” “Freeway of Love,” and “Rock Steady.”
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Died: Thursday, August 16, 2018
Details of Death: Died due to advance pancreatic cancer at the age of 76, according to multiple news sources.
Memorable Moments: The first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Given a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. Ranked first on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest singers of all time.
Notable Quote: “Being a singer is a natural gift. It means I'm using to the highest degree possible the gift that God gave me to use. I'm happy with that.”
What people said about her: “The voice of God, if you must know, is Aretha Franklin's.” – Singer Marianne Faithfull
Watch Aretha sing in our video gallery.
