I know she's not dead yet but she doesn't really sing anymore. And I agree she had a great voice. I just think there are some who are better. I mean, it's a competitive field and largely a matter of personal taste. Not trying to take anything away from her, just putting it in perspective. Having said that, when she was in her prime she was great.
Aretha started singing in the choir at the New Bethel Baptist church where her daddy was minister. Barry Gordy discovered her like most of the other MoTown artists...within a couple miles of his apartment which became "HitsVille USA" and then Motown Records. Map of Motown: the sites that made the legendary Detroit label
Diana Ross & The Supremes, Smokey Robinson (all the way at the back) Martha Reeves, Stevie, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight...has that much talent ever been crowded into a little apartment since? I don't think so.
With this great song by Aretha ...I say good night to all my friends Aretha Franklin~ " 'Til U Come Back To Me" (That's What I'm Gonna Do) 1978
Me and Mine will be praying for her and her family. Regardless of your opinion of her talent, many loved her music.
I agree, and I own most of her better songs in my library, including her gospel songs, which are actually better than her pop songs overall. I listen to something by her at least every three or so days. She was a good person, too; went back to her roots in her church by choice instead of going the usual route of dope addled degeneracy and ending up drowning in a bathtub or something stupid. Chain of Fools, House That Jack Built, Call Me. she wrote that one herself, Think, and Don't Play That Song are my popular favorites of hers; her gospel stuff is all good, better than her pop stuff. Hope she pulls through.
Wow, I surprisingly enjoyed perusing this rather inane thread... which leads me to question whether I might have an idolization issue with issues of pertinence, relevancy & reality...