The death of the incredible Aretha Franklin left the world of music sadder last Thursday (16). The impact was bigger, of course, for close friends of the singer, such as Stevie Wonder.
The legendary musician, in an interview with CBS, recalled his last conversation with Aretha, already very weakened. Wonder could not hold back tears as he told of her visit to the artist last Tuesday at his home in Detroit.
Although the singer was unable to respond and communicate, Franklin’s family told him she understood everything he said. The singer revealed that he said “everything he ever said” and also asked her to greet her sister, who died in May of this year.
Stevie even revealed that about two months ago he was teaming with Aretha Franklin to collaborate on a song called “The Future.” The two singers have performed live in the past, highlighting the performance of “Until You Come Back to Me” – watch the end of the publication.
Aretha Franklin’s death
The artist’s family confirmed that she died of advanced neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. The cause of death was confirmed by Franklin’s oncologist, according to a statement from the family.
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”.