Aretha Franklin Dies At Age 76

By on August 16, 2018

(Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images)

Aretha Franklin had died. The Queen of Soul passed away today at the age of 76. In 2010, she reportedly underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer and was able return to touring and public appearances. However by May 2013, unidentified health issues caused her to cancel tour dates.

Some notable facts about Aretha’s life:

• Aretha was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1942, and began singing in church before recording her first gospel album at age 14.
• After 10 modestly successful albums, she shifted to R&B and became the Queen of Soul.
• Her six R&B chart-toppers included the 1967 pop number-one hit “Respect.” She hit the Top 20 on the pop chart two dozen times.
• Aretha won 18 Grammys over her career — plus two honorary Grammys — and was the first female solo artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• She performed at the presidential inaugurations of Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Married and divorced twice, Franklin is survived by four sons.