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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Ben Beaumont-Thomas and Benjamin Lee

Remembering Aretha: tributes paid to the 'queen of soul' – as it happened

Remembering Aretha

Aretha Franklin in 2007
Aretha Franklin in 2007 Photograph: George Pimentel/WireImage

That’s it for our liveblog covering tributes and reactions to the death of Aretha Franklin. More coverage will come as and when but for now you can check out the following:

Updated

Earlier this week, street artists paid tribute to Franklin on the New York subway as news of her health spread:

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Physical tributes are also pouring in from various places in the US.

Franklin’s star in Hollywood:

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New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit:

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The Apollo Theater in New York:

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Sheryl Crow has also shared her condolences on Twitter:

Franklin also returned in The Blues Brothers 2000 to follow-up her show-stopping performance of Think with a fun take on Respect:

As well as her big screen cameos, Franklin also cropped up on the small screen. One of her most memorable appearances was this warm-hearted moment in an episode of Murphy Brown:

A rather strange story here. A shooting broke out today after an argument over whether Halle Berry played Franklin in a movie.

According to News 3, a firearm was produced and shots were fired. Both men received emergency treatment.

Franklin has said she wanted Berry to play her in a biopic but Berry said she couldn’t sing so wouldn’t do it justice.

Billy Ocean has shared his tribute in Twitter, writing that Franklin will be “the greatest singing angel in heaven”

Nicki Minaj has also been talking about Franklin’s influence on her new radio show.

“She is the icon of all icons,” Minaj said. “I don’t know anyone who she hasn’t inspired.”

Adele has also shared her feelings on Instagram, praising Franklin’s music for filling her heart with “joy and sadness”

Franklin’s career was packed with memorable duets but one of the finest took place on Soul Train with Smokey Robinson in 1979. It’s definitely worth a watch:

Whoopi Goldberg has tweeted a personal tribute to Franklin, accompanied by images of the pair together

Franklin covered Jumpin Jack Flash for Goldberg’s 1986 spy comedy, which you can hear below:

Patti LaBelle has also tweeted that she’s “deeply saddened” by the news, putting an end to the pair’s feud over the years

Al Sharpton has been talking about Franklin’s influence and how he was “blessed” to be a friend of hers:

60 Minutes has posted a nice video here of Franklin talking about which three songs of hers are most important and what Respect means to her:

There’s also a nice montage here of Franklin’s music in films, from Bridget Jones’ Diary through to Moonlight:

Speaking of Franklin on the big screen, it’s worth rewatching her performance in The Blues Brothers, arguably the film’s greatest setpiece

Earlier this year, Franklin hand-picked Jennifer Hudson to play her in a big screen biopic, to be called Queen of Soul. The news was announced during Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party in January.

Here’s Hudson covering Respect:

Since news of her death, Franklin’s songs have shot up the iTunes chart with Respect currently at the top:

The NAACP has released a statement on Franklin’s death praising both her music but also her influence on the civil rights movement. NAACP chairman Leon W. Russell said:

We remember Aretha for the joy and love she brought into our lives and society via her powerful voice. No one can discuss the civil rights movement nor music without paying respect to the Queen of Soul. We’ll miss her dearly

NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson added:

What would our struggle or American society be without the music of Aretha? Her unmitigated ‘Blackness’ and contributions to art and national progress places her on the Mt. Everest of American icons who changed this society for the better

Oprah has also reminisced over meeting Franklin, paying tribute to her on Twitter with an image of the pair:

And here’s a montage of her appearances on the show:

The Ford Field, a stadium, that acts as home to the Detroit Lions, has shared a video of Franklin performing there:

Mariah Carey has also paid tribute, calling her the “ultimate singers’ singer” and sharing an image of the pair on stage

Here’s a video of the pair performing Chain of Fools together:

The Detroit Institute of Arts has shone some light on Franklin’s support for them, with a picture of her at an event in 1991

Alexis Petridis has done a deep dive into Franklin’s discography and picked out her greatest songs, along with a Spotify playlist:

Usher has also shared his condolences, praising Franklin for paving the way for many of those who came after

A more fleshed out quote here from Trump who said the following to press earlier today. “She worked for me on numerous occasions” remains the lowpoint ...

I want to begin today by expressing my condolences to the family of a person I knew well. She worked for me on numerous occasions. She was terrific — Aretha Franklin — on her passing. She brought joy to millions of lives and her extraordinary legacy will thrive and inspire many generations to come. She was given a great gift from God — her voice, and she used to well. People loved Aretha. She was a special woman. So just want to pass on my warmest best wishes and sympathies to her family

Comedian Solomon Georgio has also shared this rather fantastic image of Franklin rehearsing at the age of 18:

Aside from the earlier statement, Michelle Obama has also shared her personal tribute on Twitter, reminiscing about Franklin performing at the White House

The Motown Museum in Detroit has announced that it will pay tribute to Franklin by playing her music all weekend long.

“While she was never signed to the Motown label, there is no question she was a part of the Motown family,” said Robin Terry, CEO of the museum. “She performed at our Motown Museum 20th anniversary gala and it was an unforgettable night and performance. Her legacy will continue to inspire and resonate in the souls of Detroiters and her fans around the world. Motown Museum joins the rest of the world in mourning her passing as we celebrate her remarkable life and trailblazing contributions to music.”

Lauryn Hill, who produced and appeared on Franklin’s 1998 single A Rose is Still a Rose, has paid tribute on Twitter, praising her “anointed gifts”

You can see the video for their track here:

Lin-Manuel Miranda has shared a video of Franklin on Twitter of the one time he saw her sing live. It’s undoubtedly worth a rewatch:

Elizabeth Warren has also praised the singer for inspiring others to speak out and be heard

After the classy statement from the Obamas, Trump has added in a presser that Franklin was someone who “worked for him”

Kelly Clarkson has said that Franklin is the reason why she sings the way she sings and that there will never be someone like her. Clarkson covered her on American Idol back when she was a contestant.

Martha Stewart has praised the singer for how “lovely” she always was when she appeared on her show.

And here’s footage of Franklin performing at Obama’s inauguration:

The Obamas have paid tribute

Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, and Aretha Franklin, during the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington.
Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, and Aretha Franklin,
during the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington. Photograph: Charles Dharapak/AP

In a finely constructed statement, the Obamas have paid tribute to Franklin’s immense talent and range. Franklin performed at a number of events for the couple, including Obama’s inauguration and the Labor Day rally.

America has no royalty. But we do have a chance to earn something more enduring. Born in Memphis and raised in Detroit, Aretha Franklin grew up performing gospel songs in her father’s congregation. For more than six decades since, every time she sang, we were all graced with a glimpse of the divine. Through her compositions and unmatched musicianship, 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. She helped us feel more connected to each other, more hopeful, more human. And sometimes she helped us just forget about everything else and dance. Aretha may have passed on to a better place, but the gift of her music remains to inspire us all. May the Queen of Soul rest in eternal peace. Michelle and I send our prayers and warmest sympathies to her family and all those moved by her song.

Quincy Jones and Aretha Franklin in 2008
Quincy Jones and Aretha Franklin in 2008 Photograph: Rick Diamond/Getty Images

Quincy Jones, who worked with Franklin on her 1973 album Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky) has also released a statement:

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. R.I.P. Ree-Ree. You will reign as the Queen forever.

Tony Bennett has reminisced about singing with Franklin on his 85th birthday;

Missy Elliott has shared a video of Franklin on Twitter and praised her “LEGENDARY TIMELESS” music

Gloria Estefan has also sent us this tribute:

For as long as I can remember, Aretha Franklin has been the absolute zenith, the guiding light, the master for any girl that aspired to sing or even just appreciated someone at the top of their game. I was blessed to have sung with her on more than one occasion and each time I felt that I was in the presence of musical royalty that would forever raise the bar and set the standard. Long live the Queen of Soul through her extraordinary & singular voice and her indelible music.”

We now also have a statement from Sony Music:

Aretha Franklin was one of the most iconic voices in music history and a brilliant artist. Over the course of her decades-long career, which included many years with the Sony Music family, she inspired countless musicians and fans, and created a legacy that paved the way for a long line of strong female artists. Sony Music joins the world in mourning her passing.

Timberlake’s fellow ex-Mouseketeer Britney Spears has also paid tribute. Last year the singer posted a cover of Respect on Twitter with help from a high-pitch filter

Justin Timberlake has tweeted about his sadness, reminding fans that he sang with Franklin way back when:

After her father paid tribute, Ivanka Trump has now shared her feelings on the death of a “trailblazer” leading to plenty of snarky, politically charged comments underneath ...

We briefly mentioned it before, but can we just rejoice in how Aretha takes off coats better than anyone across history?

In another lump-in-throat moment, Nasa have pointed out that the asteroid they named after Aretha is still orbiting on.

Willie Nelson here, praising the way Franklin’s voice cut across genre lines.

Updated

Ava DuVernay, the film director behind civil rights biopic Selma, has quoted A Natural Woman and complimented Franklin’s “swagger”.

Don Cheadle meanwhile has this lovely three-part story:

Donald Trump pays tribute

Well, we were slightly squeamishly waiting for this one, but Donald Trump’s tweet in tribute is dignified – even if it lacks even 1% of her musicality.

Updated

“This is so good I could kiss David Bowie! I mean that in a beautiful way, because we did.” If you can endure the wrench, check out this footage of David Bowie presenting one of Aretha’s 18 Grammy awards to her.

Jeremy Corbyn has also highlighted the work Franklin did in civil rights and feminism, calling her music “moving and full of hope”.

Craig Charles, the UK’s unofficial ambassador for funk and soul, is trying to get through a radio show right now:

For more incredible photos, our picture editors have brought together this stunningly comprehensive gallery that spans the whole of her performing life – which, of course, was almost the whole of her life itself.

Lenny Kravitz has shared a beautiful photo of him with Aretha, who looks suitably queenly:

Barry Jenkins, whose film Moonlight won the Oscar for best film in 2016, used Aretha Franklin’s One Step Ahead to poignant effect in it. He has written:

Franklin’s appeal of course cut right across the musical spectrum, and a whole host of different artists have been paying their Respects, beginning with country megastars Jason Isbell and Margo Price:

Christina Aguilera’s earnest yet blowsy delivery absolutely has its roots in Franklin’s, and doesn’t she know it:

Chance the Rapper has quoted an Aretha classic:

And Arcade Fire’s Win Butler was playing her songs earlier this week:

Updated

Tributes from Bill and Hillary Clinton

Bill Clinton, at whose 1993 inauguration gala Franklin performed, had earlier on this week encouraged people to “lift her up by listening and sharing her songs that have meant the most to you”. He and Hillary Clinton have shared a statement.

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.

Hillary wrote in a tweet that she was “mourning the loss today of Aretha Franklin who shared her spirit and talent with the world. She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.”

Updated

One of the last people to see Franklin before she died was a fellow icon of the church and of civil rights activism, the Reverend Jesse Jackson – he, along with Stevie Wonder and Franklin’s ex-husband Glynn Turman, visited her home earlier this week. In the wake of her death, he has written:

In another tweet he added: “We will always love you. All hail to the Queen!”

And talking of Respect and Sisters Doin’ It For Themselves, let’s not forget this utterly masterful bit of shade that Aretha threw at Liz Smith:

Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox perform onstage at the 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame concert at Madison Square Garden in New York, on October 30, 2009.
Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox perform at the 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame concert at Madison Square Garden in New York, 2009. Photograph: Theo Wargo/WireImage

In many ways, one of Aretha’s key recordings was her duet with Eurythmics, Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves – her career was in a bit of a lull after some tepidly-received disco work, but it came bursting back after she took her gospel energy and fused it to big 80s pop. Annie Lennox, who of course sang alongside Franklin on the track, has posted a tribute to her website.

As the One and Only ‘Queen of Soul’ 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. Superlatives are often used to describe astonishing singers. But in my view, even superlatives cannot be sufficient.

Everyone who loved her will be saying little prayers of gratitude, respect and appreciation for the musical life force that enriched our lives. Her voice will soar forever.

Updated

Paul McCartney, who was born just three months after Aretha, has posted this message:

Elton John has posted a lengthy tribute on Instagram, saying in part:

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.

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. 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

A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on

Her final live performance in public was at a gala event for the Elton John Aids Foundation in November 2017. She had announced a sort-of retirement, saying she would just focus on recording, but then – in typically indomitable fashion – turned round straight away and said “I’m not going to go anywhere and just sit down and do nothing. That wouldn’t be good either.” Sure enough, she was planning a couple of concerts as recently as April, but had to cancel them on doctor’s orders.

Actor Sally Field has written one of the most simple and affecting tributes yet. *reaches for Kleenex*

Vying with the Natural Woman performance posted below in the great late period Aretha Franklin live performances, is this one that showrunner Shonda Rimes has pointed out:

Idina Menzel has described Franklin as “my idol. The greatest singer of all time. Every note you sang was pure and authentic and pierced our hearts with joy and pain and life”, while fellow stage star Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote:

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has also paid tribute to her civil rights record, as well as her fight for women’s rights. Her song Respect alone has perhaps done more than almost any other song in terms of advancing feminism, taking Otis Redding’s original and gender-flipping it so that Aretha is the one demanding respect – and some cash while you’re at it.

Planned Parenthood underlines the point:

Updated

The Recording Academy have released a statement. Aretha did quite well out of them down the years – she won 18 Grammy awards, including the first eight years in a row of the best female R&B vocal performance category.

Carole King, who wrote (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman for Franklin, has paid her respects.

If you haven’t seen Aretha’s performance of the above song at the Kennedy Center Honors event honouring Carole King, it is a document of a woman still at the peak of her emotional powers. And who, in the twilight of her career, could get a standing ovation at the drop of a fur coat. Obama was in tears, and so will you be.

Barbra Streisand has described it as “difficult to conceive of a world without her”, and highlighted her record on civil rights. Franklin sang at Martin Luther King’s funeral, for example, and just days after it recorded the bracing Think.

Updated

Tributes have started to come in from Franklin’s fellow musicians. John Legend, with whom she collaborated on What Y’All Came to Do in 2007 – one of the many examples of how Franklin refused to be a bland nostalgia act – was one of the first.

Updated

Our writer Dorian Lynskey has penned a far-reaching tribute to Franklin, examining her life and art: “Some artists, such as James Brown, set out to start a musical revolution. Aretha became a revolution by incarnating powerful ideas and desires that were sloshing around seeking a vessel strong enough to contain them.”

Aretha Franklin has died aged 76

Music fans across the world are mourning the loss of Aretha Franklin, who has died aged 76. She had battled with ill-health since 2010, though had continued to perform until last November. Beginning her career in her early teens, she created a body of work that ranks as some of the most heartrending and spiritually uplifting popular music ever recorded.

We’ll be following reactions and tributes being paid to Franklin, as well as any updates on the circumstances of her death.

Updated

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