Ascribed Immortality: Aretha Louise Franklin (1942-2018)

If God were a woman, the voice would be hers.

I remember being a little girl in St. Louis, Missouri and hearing her sing. I wanted to sing just like her. My favorite songs are–many, and will be in rotation today. I loved the power she had and when she opens her mouth? Thunder came out.

My parents are Baby Boomers, so my house was flooded with music! I used music to escape, to think and to write. With the invention of iPhones and Apple Music, I’m able to have as much music as I want–and the funny thing is I recently downloaded some of her music. I had the CASSETTE TAPE, fam!

I have always loved her. Today, my heart is heavy and feels as if I have lost my grandmother. Even now, her music is playing in my ears.

I’m old enough to remember her doing videos and collaborations with George Michael. I remember her singing Pavarotti on the Grammys because he couldn’t make it. I remember the power and passion and my heart is broken.

There are some people that gain immortality and some are given it by virtue of talent and presence. She is one of them–legend doesn’t cover it. I can trace my childhood through her music.

God got her back this morning. And it is right the world, for one moment, remember she was only on loan to us! In later years, I think the world took advantage of the fact she was still alive–that she wasn’t going anywhere. We forgot the goddess had clay feet.

There will be articles and posts tomorrow about her life, her music and people’s favorite songs. And that should go on. We also must remember every legends heart one day will stop–and that doesn’t get easier to accept. There are certain artists whom are woven into the fabric of families, traditions and histories. Mine is no different.

The world seems a little quieter with her gone.

If the singing voice of God could be known, it’s Aretha Louise Franklin.

 

 

[image from Google]

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