Aretha Franklin R.I.P. (March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018)*

I first met her at her fathers church. I thought I would faint. Dear God that woman wears some awesome hats.

ReeRee
I love you Sister. Be at peace. All my love surrounds you.

 

Asinine thread title. No one can predict such a thing. How about “Aretha gravely ill.”

 

This is devastatingly sad news. What an icon. What a presence. What a voice.

 

It was the National Enquirer which broke the news that John Edwards was a hypocritical sleazebag, a story every "respectable" media outlet either deliberately squelched or never bothered to follow. Shoulda won a Pulitzer for that.

 

That's practically the same thing. Grave means "significantly serious."

 

Update from TMZ
"9:58 AM PT -- Our sources say doctors have informed Aretha's family today (Monday) is the day "Aretha will pass."

 

I saw a later career Aretha show at Radio City that was not very good, was very short, and she seemed disgruntled, not just in ill health, I think it was well before 2014. But I saw one, I dunno maybe in the 1990s, so still well into the second half of her career, same venue, which was titanic and incredible. As a young would-be rock and soul pianist in the '70s, I took Aretha's Atlantic debut as a major style touchstone...her piano playing and the way she integrated her singing and playing. Watching her play her way through a rip snorting "Dr. Feelgood" that night was one of the most memorable concert experiences I ever had.

 

Pass easy, Queen of Soul, and know that your voice will bringing joy to the world forever.

 

I meant that she might be ill, but not near death, and in that case she could recover.

 

BBC news has it on their app so...

 

Pretty much confirms Friedman’s original story and lays the table for the pop culture news cycle in a day or two

 

Magnificent performance of a wonderful song. Thanks for posting it.

 

Today is also the 47th anniversary of the murder of King Curtis.

Much respect & love to Aretha.

 

The female power house of soul. You will be missed dear lady and thanks for all the memories.

 

Really sad news, I thought this was just the usual gossip

 

I hope she is aware of all of the positive thoughts and feelings from around the world. I'll hope for a miraculous recovery... it is possible.

Sending best wishes to Ms. Franklin and family.

 

One of the greatest voices in the history of recorded music.

 

when my soul was in the lost and found, you came along to claim it.
she was the true meaning of talent on loan from God.

 

My pleasure! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

 

One of my favorite performances by her:

 

My favorite female singer ever

 

Love your music Aretha. You are the best!

"I say a little prayer for you"

 

I just spoke with a lifelong close friend who is related to Aretha through a sibling marriage. This downward spiral has been going on for 3 months...
So...

 

I wonder if she was healthy enough to finish the album she had talked about last year...

New Aretha Franklin album, TBA, partially produced by Stevie Wonder (09/2017)