Celebrity tributes roll in for ‘Queen of Soul’
DURING his show Wednesday night at the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort, Lionel Richie shared a glimpse into his relationship with Aretha Franklin.
We all knew Franklin as an entertainment legend, Richie said, but “I knew her as the best collard greens cook I ever met in my life. She had a way of saying, ‘Baby, you just come by the house, and I’ll feed you.’ ”
After the audience laughed and clapped, Richie added, “Well, I want you to know that tonight she’s in a transition, and I’m putting my heart and prayers out to her.”
Franklin died hours later Thursday of pancreatic cancer at age 76. Richie posted this statement after her death: “Her voice; her presence; her style. No one did it better. Truly the Queen of Soul. I will miss you!”
Tributes rolled in for the woman rightfully dubbed the “Queen of Soul,” the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (in 1987). Messages from social media and elsewhere Thursday:
From Caesars Palace headliner Celine Dion, who posted a photo of her and Franklin onstage: “I’m saddened to learn that Aretha Franklin has passed. The most soulful and inspirational singer of our time.”
Dion also issued a statement via email: “She was an unbelievable artist … there will never be anyone like her. I had the great privilege of performing with Aretha … it was truly one of the greatest moments of my career. I send my prayers and condolences to her family and loved ones.
From Westgate headliner Barry Manilow: “She was a friend. She was the greatest. This is a heartbreaking day.”
From Elton John: “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.” John also remembered Franklin’s final public appearance, at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Gala in November. “I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance — a benefit for @ejaf 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.”
From Barbra Streisand, who posted a photo of her with Franklin at a tribute for Marvin Hamlisch in 2012: “Not only was she a uniquely brilliant singer, but her commitment to civil rights made an indelible impact on the world.”
From legendary producer Quincy Jones: “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.”
From Smokey Robinson: “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.”
From Paul Mccartney: “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.”
From the Rolling Stones: “Very sad to hear the news about Aretha, she was so inspiring and wherever you were she always brought you to church.”
From Carole King: “What a life. What a legacy! So much love, respect and gratitude. R.I.P. @Arethafranklin.”
From Diana Ross: “I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin.”
From Tony Bennett, with a photo of the two together onstage: “It was a double thrill for me to perform on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera on my 85th birthday and have the Queen of Soul (and heart) Aretha Franklin singing with me….she will be missed by the world.”
From John Legend: “Salute to the Queen. The greatest vocalist I’ve ever known.”
From Gladys Knight :“Aretha, your music set a standard for every single lady in the industry to rise to. You have touched minds, hearts and spirits, including my own. I pray you have a smooth journey Ree Ree and hopefully I’ll get to sing with you in the Heavenly choir. Love you #Queenofsoul”
From legendary record producer Clive Davis: “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.”
From Willie Nelson: “Whether it was Gospel, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Pop, or Civil Rights, Aretha Franklin was the greatest gift and the voice of a generation. She could turn any song into a hymn. She will be greatly missed here on earth, but that band in heaven just got our Angel. Rest in peace, Aretha.”
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @ Johnnykats1 on Instagram. As of 9 p.m. Thursday:
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