With reports surfacing this week that she is experiencing serious health complications, I see no better time than the present to pay homage to the Queen, Aretha Franklin. Hence, this week’s From The Vault features the icon belting out one of her signatures tunes – ‘A Natural Woman’. Alongside Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Carol King (the song’s writer), Gloria Estefan and Shania Twain, Franklin created a legendary moment in television at Vh1’s ‘Divas Live’ in 1998.
There is absolutely no question that Franklin is the most influential artist of the last 50 years. Every singer to emerge in the industry after her arrival has been inspired by her voice, either directly or indirectly. From Michael Jackson to Whitney Houston to Mariah to Beyonce to Lady GaGa, there isn’t a single artist who can deny her influence on their music.
Moreover, Franklin personifies the very meaning of the word ‘diva’. She is more than just an act with a few hits – she is a woman who has changed the game, establishing a legacy that will live on for generations.
Thus, that filth that Vh1 aired last weekend – ‘Vh1 Divas: Salute The Troops’ – should be viewed as an insult to her and all of the other singers who previously appeared on the show. Still, I digress. Long live the Queen!