The soul singer Aretha Franklin was one of the icons of American pop music, her song "Respect" became the anthem of the liberation struggle of the black US population. Now the highly respected musician died at the age of 76 years.
This was confirmed by her doctor and her spokeswoman Gwendolyn Quinn. Franklin was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. Her last public appearance was in Philadelphia in August 2017.
In recent days, the health of the "Queen of Soul" had worsened. Many celebrities expressed concern in the US and appreciated Franklin's work. Ex-President Clinton wrote on Twitter: "Like people around the world, Hillary and I are thinking of Aretha Franklin tonight and listening to their music, which has been such an important part of our lives over the past 50 years."
Aretha Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, as the daughter of a Baptist preacher in Memphis. Even her father recorded more than 70 records with the gospel choir of his community. As a child, Aretha Franklin also sang there. Her talent was recognized early, a career as a gospel singer was determined.
As a 14-year-old she went on tour with her father's ensemble for the first time. But soon Aretha Franklin wanted more. She opened up to pop music and went to New York, where singer Sam Cooke, an old friend of the family, helped her. Her first recording contract Franklin completed at age 18, the first record entitled "The Great Aretha Franklin" appeared in 1960.
In the following years, she was able to record first successes, but the real breakthrough came with the change to the label Atlantic. In May 1967 Atlantic released the single "Respect", the cover of an Otis Redding song. The song earned her place ten of the pop charts, he was celebrated by the press and loved audiences.
The following LP "I Never Loved A Man" hit the US and thrilled the black and white audience alike. Within two years, the soul singer released five LP's and 13 singles, almost all with chart placements. The phenomenon Aretha Franklin was born.