– Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin dies Following the vigil held for Aretha Franklin by her home church in Detroit, latest report has confirmed the death of the Queen of Soul, Thursday. She was 76.
This comes in after a church in Detroit where Aretha Franklin’s father once led, held a prayer vigil for the ailing “Queen of Soul,” on Wednesday. This church was also the place where she first tested her remarkable voice.
Dozens, including ministers from multiple Detroit-area churches, gathered at New Bethel Baptist Church for a 5:00 a.m. (0900 GMT) service dedicated to Franklin, who influenced generations over a five-decade career.
The singer’s father CL Franklin was a preacher at New Bethel church, where a young Aretha got her start singing gospel music. And gospel music once again shook the walls of the church during the early-morning service in honor of the creator of unforgettable hits such as “Respect,” “Natural Woman” and “I Say a Little Prayer.”
The 18-time Grammy award winner maintained ties with the church throughout the years, including making financial contributions and hosting events.
“She would have loved to have been here,” Franklin’s assistant Fannie Tyler told assembled news media, while thanking the church for the vigil. The vigil was part of an outpouring of well-wishes this week from celebrities and fans alike.
Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and music legend Stevie Wonder were among the personalities that visited the 76-year-old icon, as news of her failing health led to a flood of well-wishes earlier in the week.
