Tributes poured in following the August 16, 2018, death of Aretha Franklin, one of the most beloved American artists of the past 60 years. Music stars from Barbra Streisand and Elton John to Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson honored the Queen of Soul with an outpouring of love and respect.
Billy Joel called her “the greatest singer of our time.” Elton John wrote: “She was one of my favourite pianists.” Brian Wilson described her as “one of most emotional singers.” Paul McCartney wrote: “Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of… the Queen of our souls.” Clive Davis, who signed her to Arista Records, where she enjoyed a huge comeback in the ’80s, called her “a national treasure.”
See their statements below via their social media accounts.
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 many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 16, 2018
Carole King, who co-wrote “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”: “What a life. What a legacy!
So much love, respect and gratitude.
R.I.P. Aretha Franklin”
I’m absolutely devastated by Aretha’s passing. She was truly one of a kind. She was more than the Queen of Soul. She was a national treasure to be cherished by every generation throughout the world. (1/2)
— Clive Davis (@CliveDavis) August 16, 2018
Apart from our long professional relationship, Aretha was my friend. Her loss is deeply profound and my heart is full of sadness. (2/2)
— Clive Davis (@CliveDavis) August 16, 2018
The loss of @ArethaFranklin 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. pic.twitter.com/ug5oZYywAz
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018
We have lost the greatest singer of our time. As a songwriter, I know personally how meaningful a gifted interpreter of material can be.
No one can replace her.
– Billy Joel pic.twitter.com/7QZQ1IzSD8
— Billy Joel (@billyjoel) August 16, 2018
I’m very sad to hear about Aretha Franklin passing. She was one of the greatest and most emotional singers. I used to love listening to her in the sixties but her music is timeless. Love & Mercy to Aretha’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/fFVKyjxIXT
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) August 16, 2018
Keith Richards: “It’s a sad day but what a glorious lady. Her voice says it all!”
This photo was taken in 2012 when Aretha & I performed at a tribute celebration for our friend Marvin Hamlisch. It’s difficult to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer,but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world pic.twitter.com/Px9zVB90MM
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) August 16, 2018
Joe Walsh, via several social media accounts: “Thanks for being “THE SOUL SISTER” to all of us. We will never forget you. Aretha was a national treasure. RIP”
I will forever cherish the moments I spent in your presence. Your indelible impact was earned not only by your incomparable voice but by your bigger than life personality, wit and humor. I say a BIG prayer for you. You will forever have all our RESPECT. Love, Mariah ♥️ pic.twitter.com/97qk0J64rO
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 16, 2018
Aretha Franklin honored in subway graffiti https://t.co/cdc6bdz1ax pic.twitter.com/Wxcfq34kpH
— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) August 16, 2018
“…To me, @ArethaFranklin was really the top, the best. She was one of those people who opened her mouth and out came brilliance.” ~ James Taylor#ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/ItMyJYBbhk
— James Taylor (@JamesTaylor_com) August 16, 2018
I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) August 16, 2018
ROCK. STEADY!! Honoring #ApolloLegend Aretha Franklin and paying R-E-S-P-E-C-T to the #QueenOfSoul in the way only #Harlem can! pic.twitter.com/LR8CIppHUx
— Apollo Theater (@ApolloTheater) August 16, 2018
This morning my longest friend in this world went home to be with our Father. I will miss her so much but I know she’s at peace. #QueenOfSoul pic.twitter.com/UatS3U3YXe
— Smokey Robinson (@smokey_robinson) August 16, 2018
Elton John (via Facebook): 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.
Elton xx
Her funeral was held on August 31 at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. Stevie Wonder, Ronald Isley, Ariana Grande, Faith Hill, Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson were among the performers.
Speakers included former President Bill Clinton, Smokey Robinson, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Cicely Tyson and Clive Davis, who signed her to Arista Records.
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