Aretha Franklin, whom many knew as the ‘Queen of Soul’ has passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 76.
The pioneer woman who had hits such as “Respect” and “Chain of Fools” and was also the first woman to be placed in the Rock n Roll hall of fame, battled with the disease for a couple of months.
In March of this year, she had cancelled a few shows and her management explained that this was due to ‘doctors orders’
She had mentioned in one of her last public shows in 2017 that people should keep her in their prayers. She said: “God bless you, God keep you, keep me in your prayers.”
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She was born on March 25, 1942 to Rev. C. L Franklin and his wife Barbara.
She was always a gifted singer, releasing her first album at age 14 called ‘Songs of Faith’
She signed with Columbia records at age 18 and moved to New York. In 1965, during a show, she was crowned as the ‘Queen of Soul’
Franklin will go on to release a slew of hits including “Respect,””(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” “Call Me,” and “Amazing Grace”
Franklin won 18 Grammy awards in her lifetime, beginning with Best Rhythm and Blues Recording for “Respect” in 1968 and ending with Best Gospel-Soul Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for “Never Gonna Break My Faith” with Mary J. Blige in 2008.
She has four sons: Clarence, Edward, Ted and Kecalf.
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