Day 5 - 228 -- Stellar Voice Stilled

While I was working away at my insignificant packing and moving today, something enormous occurred. A major musical artist left this world. Aretha Franklin performed with such passion throughout six decades of recording. She had a vocal range of 4 octaves. Her nuanced interpretations displayed her musicality and skill. Phrasing shone due to her breath control and emotive vocalizations. Franklin began in gospel music at her father's church and moved through many genres settling on a soulful sound -- all genres benefited from the immense power of her voice.

Aretha Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and she received 18 Grammy awards. These events show that she was held in high regard within the industry as well as by the fans. This respect was evident at any live or televised performance -- she was able to touch our souls with her performances.

Surprisingly, song choice today was not overly difficult. While there are many, many songs that we can access, only two seemed to fit my thoughts today -- though I strongly recommend you listen to her version of Rolling in the Deep from 2014 recorded when when she was 72. The first selection shared today was a number one song in the US and received two Grammy awards. It is one that comes to mind for many people when they think of Aretha. I chose it to represent the role she played in women's rights. The second song shared today spoke more to my feelings at the loss of this amazing person and the talent she shared willingly. Enjoy!

Respect -- Aretha Franklin

Today I Sing the Blues -- Aretha Franklin