The Passing of a QUEEN!

It is difficult to ignore the passing of Aretha Franklin.  Her craft left such a mark in music history.  Sure music has been enjoyed, recorded and remixed but the raw talent exuded from singers of her era is unmistakable. 

In an earlier post, I stated:

" I miss this era of unbridled, uninhibited and infectious raw talent - without the use of technological and/or computer enhancement. Often imitated but never duplicated!

Rest in Heaven... Queen - Aretha Franklin."

For me, I feel I have lost a "friend".  

While everyone has a particular memory of Aretha Franklin, mine begins as a young girl watching my mom and dad put a quarter on the arm of our record player and listening to her albums.  Gospel is where I learned of her first and tended to lean to that era most fondly.  Historians more educated than myself will document her humble beginnings in print - and rightfully, they should.  As the pictures, videos and warm wishes flood the airwaves it is an unmistakable truth that the likelihood of our culture knowing of and being graced with her quality is limited.  

Great technological digital refinement of vocals has separated raw talent from God given talent.  I mean the type of talent that needs NO features to prove the power in vocal strength.

Aretha Franklin gave us so much.  While we may miss the talent, her stage presence, her voice, her style - her family has lost the person.  God loaned her to us in different capacities and will miss her on different levels - but many - including myself - will miss the breath, depth and musical control Aretha Franklin has brought us over the years.  She crossed generations with her style of music.  Few can escape having heard her melodic tones. 

Now back to the digital and technological advances - it is refreshing to see clips circulating of Aretha Franklin on television and social media.   Those that loved her from years ago can wipe tears and remember where we were and what we were doing at that time - and the one viewing for the first time can see a master at their craft.  Her memory will far out last every album ever sold.  Oh, the sweet time of music - vinyl!! 

I will join others who will be praying for her close family and closest friends.  Their grief will be different from many of ours.  Kinda makes one want to reflect on our own humanity - are we leaving a legacy of our own?  I am persuaded to make the rest of my life the best of my life.   

What an incredible addition to the Heavenly Choir!

The true QUEEN - Aretha Franklin.

Hail to the QUEEN.

Rest in Heaven.

QUEEN.