Classic Rock
Aretha Franklin dies at age 76
Aretha Franklin died at the age of 76, the singer’s manager said. Diagnosed with cancer in 2010, she was “seriously ill.”
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The cause of death was “advanced pancreatic cancer,” according to a press release quoted Aretha’s doctor.
“In one of the worst moments of our lives, we can’t find the right words to express the pain in our hearts. We lost our matriarch and the support of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nephews and cousins had no limits, “the singer’s family said in a statement”.
“We are thrilled with all the love and support we have received from friends and fans.Thank you for compassion and prayers.We feel your love for Aretha and he has brought comfort to us to understand that her legacy will remain.In our mourning, we ask for respect and privacy at this difficult time. ” There is no funeral information yet.
Queen of soul history
Aretha Louise Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 25, 1942.
She recorded her first records at age 14 at her father’s church, Clarence LaVaughn Franklin, a Baptist pastor.
It began as a teenage gospel star, but in less than a decade it became a big name for American R & B, rhythm and blues that emerged in the 1940s with influences such as jazz and church choirs.
The 76-year-old “queen of soul” became famous with “Respect” (1967), her only song to top the top US hit chart.
The song sums up Aretha’s power. Composed and originally recorded by Ottis Redding, soul idol, the singer accelerated the arrangement, added supporting vocals and the famous part in which he spelled “R-e-s-p-e-c-t”.
18 Grammy Awards and many hits
Throughout her career, Aretha Franklin has received 18 Grammy awards, including one for the ensemble.
Her other hits include “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” (1968), “Day Dreaming” (1972), “Jump to It” (1982), “Freeway of Love” Rose Is Still A Rose “(1998).
In 1987, she became the first woman to enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2005 Aretha received the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the highest award for an American civilian – from the then President George W. Bush.
She also sang in January 2009 in the possession of US President Barack Obama.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2010, she performed in November 2017 at an event at the Elton John AIDS Foundation in New York. His last solo show took place in Philadelphia in August 2017.
In the same year, she announced her retirement from the stage. The announcement was “bitter and sweet at the same time,” said the singer. “Music is everything I’ve done all my life.”
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