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‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin gravely ill

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Detroit: Legend Aretha Franklin is “gravely ill” and surrounded by family and friends in Detroit, reports said on Monday, as prayers and well wishes poured in for the Grammy-winning ‘Queen of Soul’.


The 76-year-old Franklin — who influenced generations of pop divas with hits such as “Respect” (1967), “Natural Woman” (1968) and “I Say a Little Prayer” (1968) — was said to be at a Detroit hospital. Franklin cemented her place in American music history with her powerful, bell-clear voice that stretched over four octaves — in her decades-long career, her hits spanned the genres, from soul to R&B to gospel and pop.


She was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Artists from across the musical spectrum offered well wishes to the legendary singer who has lived in Detroit most of her life.


“My prayers are with Aretha Franklin and her family during this difficult time,” tweeted rapper Missy Elliott. “We MUST CELEBRATE the Living Legends while they are here to see it. So many have given us decades of Timeless music.” Boy George said: “This is sad news. Aretha Franklin, what a voice.” — AFP


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