Wikipedia : This day (August 16, 2018), in Detroit, died Aretha Franklin a.k.a. the Queen of Soul, American Soul singer.
Official Site : While she was unquestionably influenced by the presence of such gospel luminaries as Clara Ward (a strong influence), Mahalia Jackson and the Reverend James Cleveland in the Franklin household, it was secular performers such as Dinah Washington and Sam Cooke (also visitors to the Franklin residence) who helped shape Aretha’s wide-ranging interest in popular music.
@Facebook : “There are singers,” said Ray Charles, “then there is Aretha. She towers above the rest. Others are good, but Aretha is great. She’s my only sure-enough sister.”
@last.fm : Franklin is perhaps best-known for her interpretation of Otis Redding’s Respect, recorded in 1967 with sisters Carolyn Franklin and Erma Franklin. Many of her songs, however, were originals that have since been covered by other artists.
@Discogs :
Photo : Aretha-Franklin @Facebook