Aretha Franklin has passed. For African Americans it is like a Grand Aunt who will never come over for a visit again. She carried herself with confidence. Unlike other singers of time, Franklin’s voice had strength. A Pastor’s daughter brought up during the Civil Rights, the singer put her emotions in songs that would define the era.
Such was her gift, her influence in music, all singers are judged by her standards. None have made it to those heights. Who would dare try? There has always been an unwritten rule in music : There is Aretha Franklin and everyone else.
Rest in Peace Queen of Soul.