Bill Lee (1928–2023), bassist with Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin

Bill Lee was a bassist who played with musicians including Bob Dylan and and composed music for the movies of his son, Spike Lee.0

“Sweet” Charles Sherrell (1943–2023), bassist for James Brown 

“Sweet” Charles Sherrell was a bassist in band in the late 1960s and early 1970s, playing on hits including “Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud.” 

Michael Henderson (1951–2022), R&B singer and Miles Davis’ bassist

Michael Henderson was a bassist in band as well as an R&B singer with hits including “Wide Receiver.”

Roger Hawkins (1945–2021), Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section drummer for Aretha Franklin

Roger Hawkins was a drummer with the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, who played on hits including “Respect.”

Mac Davis (1942–2020), “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me” singer-songwriter

Mac Davis was a singer-songwriter who had a No. 1 hit in 1972 with “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me” and wrote hit songs for other artists including “In the Ghetto.”

Where to Store Your Will (Like Aretha Franklin Didn't)

Your family can't honor your last wishes if they can't find your will.

Top Religious Funeral Songs

The relationship between funerals and music is incredibly powerful. Funeral songs can provide family and friends a sense of peace and comfort at a difficult time. Often the songs selected for a funeral or memorial service are spiritual and speak to the deceased's faith in God. Here are 10 of the most beloved religious songs played or performed at funerals, memorial services, and celebrations of life.

SXSW 2019 Features Films About Great Legacies, From Lil Peep to Richard Pryor

Documentaries and real-life tributes to musicians, comedians, and more.

Aretha Franklin (1942–2018), the "Queen of Soul"

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 Woman,” “Freeway of Love,” and “Rock Steady.”

Legend Is Too Small a Word for Aretha Franklin

“Legend” becomes a small word when applied to someone like . Her influence on music is so profound, it is as if she has always been with us, her gospel-tinged siren call both able to kick off a house party or send someone on their loving way into the afterlife. Once she was crowned “the Queen of Soul” fifty-plus years ago, no other artist could assume the mantle, ever. Even after her death, time will likely prove that any attempt to transfer the title will be met by ridicule.

Rick Hall (1932–2018), music producer behind “Muscle Shoals sound”

Alabama record producer Rick Hall recorded some of the biggest musical acts of the 1960s and '70s and helped develop the fabled "Muscle Shoals sound."

Dee Dee Warwick: Soul Sister

It must have been tough growing up around star power as bright as Dionne Warwick, Cissy Houston and . But Dee Dee Warwick—Dionne’s kid sister, Cissy’s niece, and Whitney’s cousin—could hold her own. She was a two-time Grammy nominee for "Foolish Fool" and "She Didn't Know."

The Powerful Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972) was known as the "Queen of Gospel" and "the single most powerful Black woman in the United States."