The world mourns the passing of “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, who died this morning.
Franklin was the daughter of a Baptist preacher and began her musical career in a church choir, but soon found her passion in R&B, jazz, and soulful music.
She became a single mother at a young age, and by the 1960s, had become known as the Queen of Soul. She is best known for songs like “Respect,” “Natural Woman,” and “I say a little prayer.”
Franklin won two Grammys for her song, “Respect,” and even an honorary award from Martin Luther King Jr. after the song became an anthem for the civil rights and women’s movements.
Over her impressive career, Franklin recorded more than 40 “Top-40” singles, and won 18 Grammys for her soulful variety of music.
When she was 45-years-old, she became the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Franklin sang from the heart, and dealt with a lot of tragedy in her life. Her father was shot during a robbery and died, and her two marriages ended in divorce.
She raised four sons and was able to share her joys along with her sorrows in her music.
Franklin sang at the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was a featured role at President Obama’s inauguration.
In 2017, Franklin announced it would be her final year performing at concerts, as her health was already failing. She suffered from pancreatic cancer and died August 16, 2018.