Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin has died aged 76

AP Photo/Gene J. PuskarAP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
Soul singer Aretha Franklin has died aged 76, her publicist has said.

The long-reigning "Queen of Soul" who sang with matchless style on such classics as Think and her signature song, Respect, died at her home in Detroit.

She had been suffering from advanced pancreatic cancer, her representative Gwendolyn Quinn said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A family statement said: "In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we 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."

Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/APPhoto by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

Sir Elton John has paid tribute to the soul legend, posting on Instagram: "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 favourite pianists.

"I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance - a benefit for the Elton John Aids Foundation at St John The Divine Cathedral.

"She was obviously unwell, and I wasn't sure she could perform. But Aretha did and she raised the roof. She sang and played magnificently, and we all wept. We were witnessing the greatest soul artist of all time. I adored her and worshipped her talent. God bless her.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"My condolences to all her family and friends. We shared the same birthday - and that meant so much to me. The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. @arethasings #RIP #ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul @ejaf."

Liam Gallagher tweeted: "RIP Aretha Franklin what a voice x".

Singer John Legend wrote: "Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I've ever known. #Aretha."

Related topics:
News you can trust since 1886
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice