It's a sad day for the music industry as it was just reported by TMZ that the Queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, has passed away.
Earlier this month it was reported Franklin was "gravely ill" after her fight with pancreatic cancer. Franklin was a very private person because it was even revealed she had been sick for quite some time, but didn't want to share it with the world.
Franklin, born in Memphis Tennessee, started out performing at her father's congregation at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, which she considered her hometown. It's no surprise Beyonce and Jay-Z just dedicated their Detroit OTR ll Concert to the singing legend. After becoming a regular in the congregation, Franklin earned her title as "The Million Dollar Voice."
Remember "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)"? Franklin's very 1st hit?
Or everyone's FAVORITE:
Franklin was planning on retiring this year. Sending our love and prayers to her family, friends, and fans!