Aretha Franklin: “Queen of Soul” has died aged 76

Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul” famous for hits like “Respect” and “Think”, has died in Detroit at the age of 76. The singer who won 18 Grammys and had 17 top ten US chart hits over a music career spanning 7 decades was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and announced last year she was retiring from music.

IN 2005m she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W Bush when she was saluted for “capturing the hearts of millions of Americans”.

Donald Trump tweeted that Franklin had been a “great woman, with a wonderful gift from God, her voice”.

NASA the US space agency noted that the asteroid bearing her name would keep on orbiting. “Asteroid 249516, Aretha, found by our NEOWISE mission and named after the singer to commemorate the ~Queen of Soul, will be orbiting beyond Mars”.

Her family confirmed her death had been due to advanced pancreatic cancer of the Neuroendocrine type.

Born in Memphis to a gospel singer/pianist and a celebrated Baptist preacher Franklin was tutored from an early age by gospel stars Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward.

In the early years, she struggled to achieve fame, the Columbia record label was unsure how to frame her powerful voice. She did make a breakthrough after moving to Atlantic Records in 1966 releasing her most iconic songs Respect.

Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney wrote: “ Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our Souls, who inspired us all for many years.”

Mariah Carey paid tribute on Twitter, calling Franklin an inspiration, mentor, and friend.