Not the purest voice like a kd Lang or Patsy Cline, just the greatest voice. Nobody was Aretha Franklin. She saved the 98 Grammy’s by coming out cold and singing opera for Pavoratti who was sick. There was nothing she couldn’t improve vocally.
No doubt there will be a state funeral in Michigan either at the Capitol or at Little Caesar’s Arena (Red Wings).
We in Detroit will ALWAYS remember the night at an MTV Divas show Mariah Carey and Celine Dion tried to one up Aretha on stage. It did not work well for them. Aretha later called them ‘her singers’ LOL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=190&v=a6Yf6txCcQM
Also, you’ll be able to tell the real Detroiters today on social media as we used to just called Aretha 'Aunt Ree"
She was simply amazing. She was incredibly soulful and her voice was evocative. She could illicit so much emotion and wring joy and redemption with 3 minutes of time.
And she spoke for women, Natural Woman, Respect and Think are not just classic, but perfect examples of femininity.
And then she was also downright fun.
We lost a good one folks.
I think if you’d like to know about a person, see what is said after they are gone, and by WHOM. Beatles and Stones (Ron Wood’s tweet not on here yet) and Supremes and everyone
The record producer Jerry Wexler, describing his first encounter with Aretha’s first album (recorded at age fourteen) – her voice “was not that of a child but rather of an ecstatic hierophant.”
It’s been announced that a group of 150 Pink Cadillacs will lead the procession from the church. Also they have released the singers list for the funeral.
When you are Aretha Franklin and you are from Detroit, Stevie Wonder will take care of that.
That will be something to see.
it might be well over 200 and anyone with a pink Cadillac is invited to join in the celebration, it’s how we do in The D
Does this mean Springsteen will be involved, since he wrote the song?
If he is, one can bet he’ll handle it like a respectful boss.
Bruce had better. We have home grown alternatives…
Bob Seger’s Top 20 Biggest Hits on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart:
Rank, Title, Peak Position, Peak Date
For a while,back in the 70’s I used to joke that I wanted Katmandu played at my funeral, so obviously I think that would be the choice for Aunt Ree.
I think I’m going to Katmandu
That’s really, really where I’m going to
If I ever get out of here
That’s what I’m gonna do
K-k-k-k-k-k Katmandu
I think that’s really where I’m going to
If I ever get out of here
I’m going to Katmandu
I got no kick against the west coast
Warner brothers are such good hosts
I raise my whiskey glass and give them a toast
I’m sure they know it’s true
I got no rap against the southern states
Every time I’ve been there it’s been great
But now I’m leaving and I can’t be late
And to myself be true
Actually, Springsteen’s “Pink Cadillac” was never covered by Aretha. She had a chart topper with 1985’s “Freeway of Love” which works the same automotive sexual sub-metaphor as Springsteen’s song and several others
Writers for “Freeway of Love” were Jeffrey Cohen (and Narada Michael Walden who produced that album.)
So why the parade of pink Cadillacs over a Natalie Cole cover?
Probably because that was one of her most visible hits, back when MTV used to be a Music Channel.
