Remembering Aretha Franklin ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When it spoke truth to power, it was a punch in the gut. When it inspired hope, it was a pat on the back. And when it revealed its sexy side, it was a steamy nuzzle behind the ear. Whatever emotions Aretha Franklin offered us in her music had a lasting impact – she touched you, and you felt it. Articulating such feelings was the singer’s stock in trade; whether she was dealing in delight or misery, her voice commanded attention. You can hear it on “Think,” you can hear it on “Day Dreaming,” and you can hear it on “Young, Gifted and Black.” Generations of fans, women especially, heard it when “Respect,” her anthem of empowerment, came roaring out of the radio. For almost 60 years, she was a fountainhead of creativity whose music was often associated with leveling the playing field. When she died today at the age of 76 in Detroit, her designation as the ‘Queen of Soul’ was beyond refute. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ From her preacher father’s choir to the R&B classics she cut during her Atlantic Records zenith, Aretha’s career brought a charismatic performer to an audience that couldn’t get enough. It was that timeless Atlantic work that kicked off the string of 1960s hits she’s best known for. “Chain of Fools,” “Baby, I Love You” and others found everything clicking – the band, the groove and the vocals combined to supercharge the songs. Judiciously applying her gospel fervor, she made it seem like controlling that acrobatic voice was the easiest job around. And on the best nights, her stage performances were equally captivating. The greatest Aretha shows banked on the notion that trusting her instrument’s mix of grace and power could move the crowd to a new level of elation. Through the decades it impressed listeners at both the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama’s Presidential inauguration – no question, Aretha was an artist of her time, whose immense legacy is waiting to be absorbed by anyone interested in true American genius.

vevoさん(@vevo)が投稿した動画 - 2018/08/17 00:18:34