RIP, Aretha Franklin. Fans flood social media with outpourings of love
Aretha Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul, whose powerful voice was adored by generations has died.
She was 76.
Fans and fellow performers took to Twitter to send their prayers and to remember Franklin’s iconic voice and her commitment to civil rights.
Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 16, 2018
— Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) August 16, 2018
You could call her the “Queen of Soul” “re re” or “Aretha.”
— Fred Blankenship (@FBlankenshipWSB) August 16, 2018
I call her the voice of my lifetime.
Aretha Franklin has passed away at the age of 76.
I never met her but I felt like she was family. I bet you did too. My favorite song was “A Natural Woman.” What’s yours? pic.twitter.com/UJ59sQBipq
Her wish was always for others to have peace and love. The only Queen. #ArethaFranklin I will keep the promise. pic.twitter.com/ADFYkQZClk
— Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin was an angel. Her voice helped lift our spirits and at times gave us the soundtrack to cope with our pain.
— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) August 16, 2018
Listening to her will always feel like home.
The voice of an era, the Queen of Soul. Back amongst the angels you go. #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/gxCfseNvMw
Feeling overwhelmingly sad. Thank you Aretha Franklin for the gift of your voice and your soul. Rest in peace.
— Lester Holt (@LesterHoltNBC) August 16, 2018
RESPECT 🙏🏽QUEEN
— LILJON (@LilJon) August 16, 2018
More Than A Great Artist & More Than A Great Client, She Was My Dear, Special, Wonderful, Kind and Fun Friend! Rest In Heaven “Ms. Franklin”!!!!
— James L Walker, Jr. (@jameslwalkeresq) August 16, 2018
LOVE YOU!!! #Tears pic.twitter.com/sJoySYr4kU
“Looking out on the morning rain
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 16, 2018
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew
I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you
Life was so unkind
But you’re the key to
My peace of mind.”
Her voice/swagger was peerless.
Thank you, #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/5gp0OP10Jf
Trailblazer for women, civil rights icon and the #QueenOfSoul! RIP Aretha Franklin. #ArethaFranklin 🎤 pic.twitter.com/pQvurfYnWw
— Michael Gravesande (@OldBlackHack) August 16, 2018
Rest in Power, Aretha Franklin. Thank you for 62 years of impeccable soul music. pic.twitter.com/Q8L0qenrxq
— Isimbi Manuela (@Isimbi_Em) August 16, 2018
Rest in Peace to an icon and the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4YLQwja1Gf
— SAINT HERON (@SaintHeron) August 16, 2018
My heart is heavy. When a baby is born, it cries while the world rejoices. #ArethaFranklin lived her life such that in her passing the world cries and Heaven rejoices. She is flying high with Him and no doubt singing Good News of Great Joy. Rest easy, … https://t.co/0mabygX1zg pic.twitter.com/AqvMKApo1I
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) August 16, 2018
Miss Franklin. You inspired us. Your voice, your powerful, once in a LIFETIME voice, changed the sound of R&B forever. You are the queen of soul. Your music will live on. Thank you for giving us decades of soul, beauty, and grace. Rest well Soul Queen 🙏🏾💙 #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/9W4CZgq0L4
— Jade Novah (@JadeNovah) August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin was an angel. Her voice helped lift our spirits and at times gave us the soundtrack to cope with our pain.
— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) August 16, 2018
Listening to her will always feel like home.
The voice of an era, the Queen of Soul. Back amongst the angels you go. #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/gxCfseNvMw
*switches to soul playlist for the duration of today*
— Brie Queso (@candidqueso) August 16, 2018
Peace to the Queen ❤✌#ArethaFranklin, 'Queen of Soul', dies aged 76 - https://t.co/SKnEEU6swe
Rest in heaven to the Queen of Soul! #ArethaFranklin https://t.co/S4LhtarPaJ
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownCHA) August 16, 2018
If you want to spend eight minutes with chills down your spine, listen to #ArethaFranklin sing Donny Hathaway's classic Someday We'll All Be Free. https://t.co/zxp9MPluVH RIP #QueenOfSoul
— Peter Daou (@peterdaou) August 16, 2018
About the Author
Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.
