The academic world took to social media yesterday to remember an artist who transformed music with her soulful and bold lyrics and strident support for civil rights.
Aretha Franklin — hailed for decades as “the Queen of Soul” — died Thursday at the age of 76.
A musical genius who became synonymous with tunes such as “Natural Woman,” “I Say a Little Prayer” and “Respect,” Franklin dramatically transformed the musical landscape and became an iconic figure appealing to individuals across racial, religious, economic and generational backgrounds.
A product of the Black church, Franklin was born in Tennessee and grew up singing in New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, where her father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin, was pastor.
As the civil rights movement was in full-swing during the 1960s, Franklin became a staunch supporter. Her father and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., were close friends. And after King was gunned down in Memphis in 1968, Franklin sang “Precious Lord” at his funeral.
“Beyond her tremendous voice, she was a voice in the Civil Rights Movement. An instrument,” says Dr. Bernice King, the youngest daughter of the civil rights leader. “Just as they welcomed Aretha Franklin to their hearts during their lifetime, both my father and mother have welcomed the Queen of Soul to their heavenly home.”
