Tributes Pour In For Aretha Franklin, The Queen Of Soul

Amy Sancetta/AP File Photo – Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin performs at the Inauguration Gala for President-elect Bill Clinton Jan. 19, 1993 in Washington, D.C.

The news of Aretha Franklin’s death at 76 in Detroit triggered an outpouring of reactions from fans – including her colleagues in the musical pantheon. Within hours, Twitter and email inbox were filled with statements and tributes from her fellow artists and music executives. Here, we share a few.

Please see: Aretha Franklin, Legendary Queen Of Soul, Dies At 76

“This morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with our father. I will miss her so much but I know she’s at peace.” — Smokey Robinson, in a statement.

“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.” — Barbra Streisand, via Twitter.

“A national treasure to everyone. But to me personally, Aretha Franklin was my dear, dear friend, my homegirl, and I loved her a lot. From seeing her as a baby singing and playing at the piano at her father’s home, to her giving a rousing performance at the White House, she has always been amazing. No matter how the music has changed over the years, she remained so relevant.” — Berry Gordy, in a statement.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>What a life. What a legacy! <br>So much love, respect and gratitude.<br>R.I.P. <a href=”https://twitter.com/ArethaFranklin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@ArethaFranklin</a> <a href=”https://t.co/400K1U5IHI”>https://t.co/400K1U5IHI</a></p>— Carole King (@Carole_King) <a href=”https://twitter.com/Carole_King/status/1030096175993475079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>

“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. Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend. Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness.” — Clive Davis, in a statement.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>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 <a href=”https://t.co/me3FXBY4WZ”>pic.twitter.com/me3FXBY4WZ</a></p>— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) <a href=”https://twitter.com/xtina/status/1030104468669583360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>

“Her voice; her presence; her style

No one did it better

Truly the Queen of Soul

I will miss you!” — Lionel Richie, in a statement.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aretha?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Aretha</a></p>— John Legend (@johnlegend) <a href=”https://twitter.com/johnlegend/status/1030092369906024448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>

“The loss of Aretha Franklin 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 favorite pianists.” — Elton John, via Instagram.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.</p>— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) <a href=”https://twitter.com/DianaRoss/status/1030100713093967873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>

“From the time that Dinah Washington first told me that Aretha was the ‘next one’ when she was 12-years old until the present day, Aretha Franklin set the bar upon which every female singer has and will be measured. And she did it with the professionalism, class, grace and humility that only a true Queen could. I treasured every moment that we spent together from working in the recording studio, to performing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, or simply hanging in the kitchen, and I will miss her dearly. RIP Ree-Ree. You will reign as the Queen forever.” — Quincy Jones, in a statement.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Rest in peace Aretha. ❤ <a href=”https://t.co/QT7HeY5SIf”>pic.twitter.com/QT7HeY5SIf</a></p>— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) <a href=”https://twitter.com/MsPattiPatti/status/1030107947685306369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>

“For more than 50 years, she stirred our souls. She was elegant, graceful, and utterly uncompromising in her artistry. Aretha’s first music school was the church and her performances were powered by what she learned there. I’ll always be grateful for her kindness and support, including her performances at both my inaugural celebrations, and for the chance to be there for what sadly turned out to be her final performance last November at a benefit supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS. She will forever be the Queen of Soul and so much more to all who knew her personally and through her music. Our hearts go out to her family and her countless fans.” — Bill Clinton, in a statement.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>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. <a href=”https://t.co/bfASqKlLc5″>pic.twitter.com/bfASqKlLc5</a></p>— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href=”https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1030129887623958538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Watching Aretha Franklin perform at the White House, and on so many other occasions, made time stand still. <a href=”https://twitter.com/BarackObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@BarackObama</a> and I are holding Aretha’s family in our hearts right now. She will forever be our Queen of Soul. <a href=”https://t.co/NhHsbKijpl”>pic.twitter.com/NhHsbKijpl</a></p>— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) <a href=”https://twitter.com/MichelleObama/status/1030133288231489537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>

“Aretha Franklin was simply peerless. She has reigned supreme, and will always be held in the highest firmament of stars as the most exceptional vocalist, performer and recording artist the world has ever been privileged to witness.” — Annie Lennox, via Twitter.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>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 <a href=”https://t.co/jW4Gpwfdts”>pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts</a></p>— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) <a href=”https://twitter.com/PaulMcCartney/status/1030103284881805312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>

“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.” – Sam Moore, in a statement

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Lady Soul. The first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha Franklin was an artist of passion, sophistication and command, whose recordings remain anthems that defined soul music. Long live the Queen. <a href=”https://t.co/3gJDuV2KF4″>pic.twitter.com/3gJDuV2KF4</a></p>— Rock Hall (@rockhall) <a href=”https://twitter.com/rockhall/status/1030096566638596096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>August 16, 2018</a></blockquote>

Aretha Franklin was many things.

The Queen of Soul. The original pop diva. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member. To SoundExchange, she was a cherished member of the family.

From her childhood days singing gospel at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit to her last performance in November in New York City to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Aretha Franklin was the undisputed star of the show. Her exuberant style and fearless attitude set the standard for others to follow.

The SoundExchange family mourns the loss of one of its own. She will be greatly missed by the music community and millions of fans who adored her.

Respect.

Michael Huppe, SoundExchange President and CEO via statement

“We not only admire Aretha Franklin for her singing ability, but we appreciate what she did to uplift the community. We have always been honored and elated — and are still on ‘Cloud Nine’ – for having her cover two of our songs: ‘A Brand New Me’ and ‘Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas without the One You Love.’ While we never got the opportunity to work directly with Aretha, she was our dear friend. We send our deepest and sincere condolences out to her family. She was truly the best!” — Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, via statement.