'The loss of Aretha Franklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music': Fellow legends, famous fans mourn Queen of Soul's death
The music industry and fans everywhere are mourning the loss of the inimitable Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin passed away Thursday at age 76 at her Detroit home, surrounded by family and friends.
Tributes immediately started pouring in from those who were lucky enough to know Franklin and those who admired and appreciated all that the legend did for the music industry. Elton John declared Franklin’s death a “blow for everybody who loves real music.”
The loss of @ArethaFranklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul and the Church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated – she was one of my favourite pianists. pic.twitter.com/ug5oZYywAz
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
Clive Davis, who executive-produced many of her successful records after she left Atlantic Records in 1979, mourned the loss of his longtime friend and collaborator.
I’m absolutely devastated by Aretha’s passing. She was truly one of a kind. She was more than the Queen of Soul. She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world. (1/2)
— Clive Davis (@CliveDavis) August 16, 2018
Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend. Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness. (2/2)
— Clive Davis (@CliveDavis) August 16, 2018
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama wrote touching tributes.
Watching Aretha Franklin perform at the White House, and on so many other occasions, made time stand still. @BarackObama and I are holding Aretha’s family in our hearts right now. She will forever be our Queen of Soul. pic.twitter.com/NhHsbKijpl
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) August 16, 2018
Aretha helped define the American experience. In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade—our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect. May the Queen of Soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/bfASqKlLc5
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 16, 2018
President Trump called Franklin “a great woman.”
The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is dead. She was a great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice. She will be missed!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2018
Hillary Clinton tweeted, “She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts.”
Mourning the loss today of @ArethaFranklin who shared her spirit and talent with the world. She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 16, 2018
While Diana Ross said she’s “sitting in prayer” for Franklin’s spirit.
I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) August 16, 2018
John Legend declared Franklin “the greatest vocalist I’ve ever known.”
Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I’ve ever known. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #Aretha
— John Legend (@johnlegend) August 16, 2018
Soul singer Sam Moore released the following statement: “Aretha Franklin and I have been friends and label mates for more than sixty years. I adored her and I know the feelings were mutual. While I’m heartbroken that she’s gone I know she’s in the Lord’s arms and she’s not in pain or suffering anymore from the damn cancer that took her away from us. I’m going to hope, pray and count on the fact that I will see her again sometime. Rest in the Lord’s arms in love, Re.”
See more reactions from Chris Rock, Paul McCartney, Barbara Streisand, Kate Hudson, Carole King, and more below:
Aretha was such a timeless inspiration to me and so many others, the ultimate queen, thank you for the gift of your voice, music and unshakeable soul 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/me3FXBY4WZ
— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) August 16, 2018
The greatest voice in American popular music has been stilled. Our beloved #ArethaFranklin has gone. For me, she was a musical lighthouse, guiding and inspiring with every note. I loved her so and love her still. Goodbye, Queen of Soul.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) August 16, 2018
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
This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha & I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch. It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer,but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world pic.twitter.com/Px9zVB90MM
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) August 16, 2018
What a life. What a legacy!
So much love, respect and gratitude.
R.I.P. @ArethaFranklin https://t.co/400K1U5IHI— Carole King (@Carole_King) August 16, 2018
Queen… My Queen. pic.twitter.com/6olvvLPISd
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) August 16, 2018
Deeply saddened by the passing of a beloved friend and queen/warrior Aretha Franklin. Her contributions are legendary both personally and societally. We hope you take a pause today to remember the life of a beautiful soul. pic.twitter.com/ce4ht2g0ha
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) August 16, 2018
The moment I wake up, before I put on my make up, I say a little prayer for you
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) 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
One of the highlights of my career was singing with #ArethaFranklin at The Tony Awards. It was an out of body experience for me. One of greatest singers of all time. You will be missed by all. https://t.co/L8dIIhyR9Y
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) August 16, 2018
A post shared by Kate Hudson (@katehudson) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:28am PDT
A post shared by Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:22am PDT
Goodbye Ms. Aretha. You were my idol. The greatest singer of all time. Every note you sang was pure and authentic and pierced our hearts with joy and pain and life.
— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) August 16, 2018
Best voice ever. Miss you already.
A post shared by Chris Rock (@chrisrock) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:25am PDT
A post shared by Jennifer Hudson (@iamjhud) on Aug 16, 2018 at 11:00am PDT
this is truly a sad day. rest peacefully queen. icon. my sincere condolences to her family. #ArethaFranklin
— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) August 16, 2018
Lucky enough to have seen Aretha live exactly once, and this was it.
Thank you for the music, we will be listening to you forever https://t.co/aMHIBFaTAs— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 16, 2018
I’ve had so many influences in my life, and one of them is the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace, Aretha. I’ll sing this one for you. https://t.co/GcwwWioHsl
— Reba (@reba) August 16, 2018
Rest in peace Aretha. ? pic.twitter.com/QT7HeY5SIf
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) August 16, 2018
Sad day for many. I miss you already Ms. Franklin ..?🙏🏽?
A post shared by Lee Daniels (@theoriginalbigdaddy) on Aug 16, 2018 at 8:08am PDT
Rest in Power, Ms. Aretha. You were the Queen. Your rendition of “Respect” launched a revolution. Our condolences go out to the Franklin family and all of her fans worldwide. – The Redding Family https://t.co/GzudOmBH5M #ArethaFranklin
— Otis Redding (@OtisRedding) August 16, 2018
RIP, Aretha.
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