Remembering "The Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin

August 16, 2018

Today, we lost an icon. The "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin passed after a long batter with pancreatic cancer. Franklin who grew up singing in her father's church, New Bethel Baptist, in Detroit started her career in gospel before moving into secular music. Her span of hits included "Chain of Fools", "Natural Woman", "Think", and "Rock Steady". During her prolific career, Franklin is considered to be one of the best-selling musical artists of all time. She won 18 Grammy Awards and sold over 75 million records worldwide. Franklin is also one of Billboards most charted female artists. Ms. Franklin made a significant impact not only on the music industry but in the fight for African-American civil rights. Franklin's hit "Respect" released in 1967 is regarded as a civil rights anthem. Ms. Franklin's legacy will forever inspire and influence entire generations to come.