The woman who changed the face of music especially soul music genre with her angelic voice, Aretha Franklin has died at the age of 76, after battling with pancreatic cancer.
According to report, Aretha Franklin who was earlier in the week admitted into an Hospital after a relapse, died in the early ours of Thursday morning, as and arrangement for her funeral are on going, and will be made public by her family members in due course.
Aretha Franklin influenced and inspired generation after generation of singers and song writers over six decades of her iconic musical career, and was earlier bid to perform in two concerts a few months ago in March and April 2018, but had to cancel citing Doctor’s orders.
Aretha Franklin also planned her retirement in 2017, but did not as he did what is now her last performance with Elton John in 2017 in the annual AIDS benefit gala night.
One of her performance and one of the proudest moments of her life, was when she had to perform for the first black president of the United States of America during former President Barack Obama inauguration in 2009, where she performed “My Country, ‘Tis Of Thee”.
She has written, recorded and performed lot of hit songs, and some of her old classic songs are: “Natural woman”, “I say a little prayer,” “you send me”, “Rock-a Bye your baby” and many more.
Aretha Franklin was singer whose lane and talents knows no bound, and over six decades of her career, she traversed from one genres of music to the other, from gospel to R&B to pop to opera, and inspired thousands of musicians around the world.
In announcing her death, the family released a statement, saying:
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Aretha Louise Franklin. Franklin … passed away on Thursday morning, August 16 at 9:50 a.m. at her home in Detroit, MI, surrounded by family and loved ones. Franklin’s official cause of death was due to advance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type.”
“one of the darkest moments of our lives, are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart.”
“We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family. The love she had for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins knew no bounds,”
“We have been deeply touched by the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from close friends, supporters and fans all around the world. Thank you for your compassion and prayers. We have felt your love for Aretha and it brings us comfort to know that her legacy will live on. As we grieve, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
“Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days” the statement concluded.