Aretha Franklin

[topdog]

We lost a great voice and electrifying presence today - Aretha Franklin. What are your favorite songs and memories?

This is one of mine. One of the great moments on the Grammy Awards was in 1998 when Luciano Pavarotti had to cancel at the last moment, and Aretha volunteered to go on in his place and sing the aria "Nessum Dorma". Because of the extensive orchestration and choir arrangement she had to leave the song in the lower tenor key. It was electrifying. The audience was on their feet cheering long before she finished.

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[dargelos]

For all of us who love soul music this is painful news. For Americans such as yourself the loss is even greater, Aretha was so much more than a singer with a wonderful voice, she was also a beacon of the best that your country can be. She had majesty. When she walked on stage it was like the Statue of Liberty had stepped off her plinth and picked up the microphone.
NAACP president Derrick Johnson said it this way;
"What would our struggle or American society be without the music of Aretha? Her unmitigated ‘Blackness’ and contributions to art and national progress places her on the Mt. Everest of American icons who changed this society for the better"

How can I pick a favorite song? Can't do it. Play them all.

 

[slimjim]

Well it's tricky to choose but maybe this …..



and of course let's not forget the occasional movie appearance... with another damn fine song

 

[Stonecold]

RIP Aretha Franklin



dargelos wrote

For all of us who love soul music this is painful news. For Americans such as yourself the loss is even greater, Aretha was so much more than a singer with a wonderful voice, she was also a beacon of the best that your country can be. She had majesty. When she walked on stage it was like the Statue of Liberty had stepped off her plinth and picked up the microphone.
NAACP president Derrick Johnson said it this way;
"What would our struggle or American society be without the music of Aretha? Her unmitigated ‘Blackness’ and contributions to art and national progress places her on the Mt. Everest of American icons who changed this society for the better"

My feelings as well

 

[golfdelta21]

Photos of Aretha Franklin When She Was Young in the 1960s

 

[drewguy]

 

[trencherman]

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[interestin-username]

R.I.P. Queen Aretha

 

[dargelos]

If anyone is entitled to talk about Aretha it is the other colossus of soul, Stevie Wonder. There is an interview CBS did with him which I was going to put here, but watching it again, now I think no, you don't want to see this.
The tv presenters were crass, did they not know, did they not care, that they were talking to a man whose heart had just been broken.
That was too sad, so instead, a reminder of happier times with the two masters performing together. there is so much genuine affection flowing on that stage.

In the end, all you are left with are memories, let them be the good ones.

 

[haiducii]

Damn, when they reported she'd been hospitalized I was hoping it was just a minor thing. She led a wonderful life and touched many with her inspiring voice. :heart:

 

[havocs]

I love these songs, makes me stop, close my eyes, and get in touch with my emotions everytime I hear them

 

[javilogin]

great