Aretha Franklin Remembered for Her Power, Influence + Passion by Country Music’s Biggest Stars
Aretha Franklin's music and influence know no generational boundaries. The Queen of Soul died at the age of 76 on Thursday (Aug. 16), and country music's most famous voices took to social media to pay respects in meaningful ways.
For some, like Faith Hill, it was a special photo. Others like newcomer Kassi Ashton recalled growing up in Missouri doing her best to emulate the icon. Wynonna is "heartbroken," and Kelly Clarkson admits the legend was her all-time favorite. Tim McGraw shared a quote, while Willie Nelson spoke to Franklin's cross-genre influence.
Many country singers have had the pleasure of working with Franklin, including Shania Twain, who joined her for a VH1 performance in 1998. Franklin did not notch a country hit during her career, although she did reimagine Glen Campbell's "Gentle on My Mind" in 1969. The Boot points out that Franklin also covered Nelson's "Night Life."
Ultimate Classic Rock reports that Franklin lost a battle with pancreatic cancer. Best known for her version of "Respect" — actually an Otis Redding cover Franklin cut in the spring of 1967 — she was also know for hits like “Chain of Fools,” her version of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” written by Carole King, and "Think," among others.
Franklin continued to perform in recent years, including last November in New York City at a celebration for the 25th year of Elton John's AIDS Foundation.