Good night, Aretha Franklin

‘Queen of Soul’ goes home

By Tajudeen Hamzat

45 years ago, Time Magazine named her the finest singer in the world. Today, the African-American singing legend, Aretha Franklin has exited the earth.

And as is to be expected, the tributes have continued to pour in from all over the world, in celebration of the life and times of one who touched millions of people all across the globe with her God-endowed gift. One quite remarkable one came from Yale University which had awarded her a honorary doctorate eight years ago:

‘Yale University‏Verified account @Yale 10 minutes ago

RIP Aretha Franklin. Yale recognized her with an honorary Doctor of Music degree in 2010: “We know royalty when we see it, and you are, without question, the Queen of Soul.”’

Other touching tributes have come from other fellow artists, including the illustrious Paul McCartney:

‘Paul McCartney‏Verified account @PaulMcCartney 46 minutes ago

Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul’

Good night, soul heroine.

Franklin died at her home in Detroit after battling a bout of illness.

Aretha Franklin, the departed ‘queen of soul’