Aretha Franklin death: Elton John and Diana Ross lead tributes to the voice and the legend

Tributes from across the world have poured in for Aretha Franklin, known as the Queen of Soul, who has died at the age of 76.

Sir Elton John was amongst the musical luminaries who paid tribute to Franklin, writing in an Instagram post: “The loss of Aretha Franklin 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 ... I adored her and worshipped her talent. God bless her. My condolences to all her family and friends.”

“I’m sitting in prayer for the wonderful golden spirit Aretha Franklin,” Diana Ross posted on Twitter, white Carole King wrote: “What a life. What a legacy! So much love, respect and gratitude.”

Former US president Barack Obama said Franklin graced people "with a glimpse of the divine" whenever she sang.

Mr Obama and his wife Michelle said in a statement that Franklin, who performed at his first inauguration in 2009, "helped define the American experience" through her "compositions and unmatched musicianship".

"In her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shade - our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our quest for redemption and our hard-won respect," the Obamas added.

"She helped us feel more connected to each other, more hopeful, more human. And sometimes she helped us just forget about everything else and dance.

"Aretha may have passed on to a better place, but the gift of her music remains to inspire us all. May the Queen of Soul rest in eternal peace. Michelle and I send our prayers and warmest sympathies to her family and all those moved by her song."

Mariah Carey also thanked the late singer, describing her as "my inspiration, my mentor and my friend".

She tweeted: "Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul. The Icon. The ultimate singers' singer. The greatest singer and musician of my lifetime. The power of your voice in music and in civil rights blew open the door for me and so many others."

In a second tweet, Carey wrote: "You showed me I could sing the songs I wanted to sing and bring God with me. You've inspired millions everywhere yet never left home, never left church. Today the entire world mourns your home-going and celebrates all the brilliance you left behind."

She added in a third: "I will forever cherish the moments I spent in your presence. Your indelible impact was earned not only by your incomparable voice but by your bigger than life personality, wit and humor.

"I say a BIG prayer for you. You will forever have all our RESPECT. Love, Mariah."

Adele, whose song was covered by Franklin in her 2014 collection Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics, also paid tribute.

Posting on Instagram, she said: "I can't remember a day of my life without Aretha Franklin's voice and music filling up my heart with so much joy and sadness. Absolutely heartbroken she's gone, what a woman. Thank you for everything, the melodies and the movements."

The legendary singer was first reported to be “gravely ill” in a Detroit hospice by news anchor and close friend Evrod Cassimy. Franklin, who was set to retire from live music in February 2019, last performed live last November at Sir Elton’s annual Aids Foundation gala.

She confirmed her retirement to Cassimy while simultaneously announcing plans to work on a new record with Stevie Wonder.

She cancelled her tour dates in March after her doctor told her to “rest completely” for at least two months. One of the shows would have marked the “Respect” singer’s 76th birthday.

Annie Lennox also paid tribute to Franklin on Instagram, writing: “She has reigned supreme. and will always be held in the highest firmament of stars as the most exceptional vocalist, performer and recording artist the world has ever been privileged to witness. Superlatives are often used to describe astonishing artists, but in my view even superlatives seem insufficient.”

Debbie Sledge, of Sister Sledge, posted on the vocal group’s Twitter account: “We all mourn the passing of a QUEEN #arethafranklin that blessed the world and us personally for a shining example of grace, class, beauty and strength, and sheer talent.”

Born in 1942, Franklin went on to earn the title ‘The Queen of Soul’ for her services to music since the late 1960s. Having signed to Atlantic Records in 1967, she achieved huge success with songs including “Spanish Harlem”, “I Say a Little Prayer” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

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