Aretha Franklin - artist and civil rights activist

Artists, politicians and fans are shocked by the death of the soul legend. However, the world has not only lost a great and unique voice - in 2010, Rolling Stone magazine named Aretha Franklin the best female singer of all time. Franklin also campaigned for civil rights and against racism throughout her life. Her songs "Respect" and "Think" in the film "The Blues Brothers" (1980) are legendary

Franklin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010, and in 2015 she moved then President Barak Obama to tears with "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman". She also sang at his inauguration in 2009 - in front of two million people!

A great musical legacy

Aretha Franklin, who grew up with gospel as a pastor's daughter, learned early on how to inspire people with music. She sold more than 75 million records, landed around 40 top ten hits, received 18 Grammys, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In 1990 she won the "Grammy Living Legends Award". In addition to soul and gospel, her wide musical spectrum ranged from R&B and jazz to pop and dance.

We say: Thank you for your fantastic music and goodbye, Aretha Franklin!

Aretha Franklin with "A little Respect" from 1967

Aretha Franklin with "Think" in the movie "The Blues Brothers" 1980

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