Aretha Franklin, the queen of soul, dies at 76

Legendary soul singer and songwriter Aretha Franklin has died at age 76, her publicist confirmed to CBS News.

Franklin, who began singing in a church choir, had a career that spanned more than six decades, according to CBS News. Her last known performance was in November, for Elton John's AIDS Foundation Fall Gala.

Her career took off in 1967 with the hit song Respect. Franklin's anthemic take on the Otis Redding number won two Grammy Awards. She would go on to win 18 Grammy Awards during her career. She was also the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Franklin passed away Thursday in Detroit, where she spent most of her childhood and adult life, CBS News reported.

Tributes to Franklin began to pour in immediately, including from Apple CEO Tim Cook, as people paid their respects to the groundbreaking musician. 

"We mourn the passing of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul," Cook tweeted. "Her voice will keep lifting us, through the music she gave the world. Our thoughts are with her family, her loved ones and fans everywhere. Take her hand, precious Lord, and lead her home," wrote Cook.

We mourn the passing of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Her voice will keep lifting us, through the music she gave the world. Our thoughts are with her family, her loved ones and fans everywhere. Take her hand, precious Lord, and lead her home. 🎶 pic.twitter.com/I84HTEVZU1

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) August 16, 2018

Legendary musicians took to Twitter to express their sorrow and to remember Franklin's contributions as both a singer and a person. 

"Let's all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul," wrote Paul McCartney.

Let’s all take a moment to give thanks for the beautiful life of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of our souls, who inspired us all for many many years. She will be missed but the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever. Love Paul pic.twitter.com/jW4Gpwfdts

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) August 16, 2018

Elton John highlighted one of Franklin's lesser-known talents. "Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated – she was one of my favourite pianists," the pop star wrote.

The loss of @ArethaFranklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul and the Church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated – she was one of my favourite pianists. pic.twitter.com/ug5oZYywAz

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 16, 2018

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People paid its respects to the Queen of Soul as "an iconic symbol of black pride whose music touched so many hearts and souls."

The ever-reigning Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is an iconic symbol of black pride whose music touched so many hearts and souls. As the 2008 recipient of the NAACP Vanguard Award, we know Aretha's legacy will live on and we send our love our prayers. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/s2CHcqbO3G

— NAACP (@NAACP) August 16, 2018

Actor Hugh Jackman, known for his role as Marvel action hero Wolverine as well as for his musical talent, said one of the highlights of his career was singing with Franklin at the Tony Awards. He described it as "an out of body experience."

One of the highlights of my career was singing with #ArethaFranklin at The Tony Awards. It was an out of body experience for me. One of greatest singers of all time. You will be missed by all. https://t.co/L8dIIhyR9Y

— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) August 16, 2018

Hillary Clinton mourned on Twitter, as well, saying, "She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts. Rest in eternal peace, my friend."

Mourning the loss today of @ArethaFranklin who shared her spirit and talent with the world. She deserves not only our RESPECT but also our lasting gratitude for opening our eyes, ears and hearts. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 16, 2018

Star Trek's George Takei said, "She made millions feel like natural women, and she earned our everlasting Respect with each performance. May Aretha Franklin's voice ring now throughout the heavens. She truly was the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace, o great one."

She made millions feel like natural women, and she earned our everlasting Respect with each performance. May Aretha Franklin’s voice ring now throughout the heavens. She truly was the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace, o great one.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 16, 2018

The term "Blues Brothers" was also trending on Twitter on Thursday in reference to Franklin's scene-stealing cameo role in the 1980 Saturday Night Live-spinoff comedy starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Her appearance in the film introduced Franklin and her talents to an even wider audience.  

Film producer Adam Best recalled watching The Blues Brothers during his childhood and called out her rollicking performance of the song Think as one of the most memorable parts of the cult classic.

The Blues Brothers was something we watched nonstop during my childhood. Aretha Franklin’s performance of “Think” was one of the most memorable parts of that cult classic. Just one of many great memories of the Queen of Soul. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/zYdB9KUJrD

— Adam Best (@adamcbest) August 16, 2018

One word in particular is associated with Franklin, and that's the title of her most-famous song: Respect. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis shared it as a simple, but powerful tribute: "RESPECT."

R E S P E C T

— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) August 16, 2018

Representatives for Franklin didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

From MP3.com: The best Aretha Franklin song from every decade.

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