The singer's singer: musicians pay tribute to Aretha Franklin

Musicians around the world have made emotional tributes to Aretha Franklin, the “queen of soul”, who died on Thursday aged 76.

Singers including Britney Spears, Adele, Gloria Estefan, Usher, Willie Nelson and Mariah Carey were among whose words confirmed her appeal and influence across generations.

Lady Gaga wrote on Twitter that Franklin was an “angel of music”.

In a long post on Instagram, Elton John called her death “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.”

Cher said Franklin’s “one of a kind voice will be with us forever”.

Paul McCartney called her “the Queen of our souls” and said “the memory of her greatness as a musician and a fine human being will live with us forever.”

Mariah Carey, who performed with Franklin multiple times, shared several tweets in which she described Franklin as “my inspiration, my mentor and my friend”.

“Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul. The Icon. The ultimate singers’ singer,” wrote Carey. “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.”

“She is the icon of all icons,” Nicky Minaj said on her radio show. “I don’t know anyone who she hasn’t inspired.”

Usher wrote that “Aretha Franklin paved the way for so many of us in music. Her voice and legacy will never be forgotten.”

Country music great Willie Nelson said Franklin “was the greatest gift and the voice of a generation. She could turn any song into a hymn.”

Kelly Clarkson said “Aretha Franklin is the reason why I sing from that part deep inside of me that few could ever reach”.

Adele wrote she “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”.

Gloria Estefan sent a touching tribute about Franklin to the Guardian. She wrote:

Justin Timberlake shared a photograph of him singing with Franklin and called the singer “the greatest of all time”.

Chance the Rapper, Win Butler from Arcade Fire, Christina Aguilera, and Missy Elliott were also among those who paid tribute.

At their concert on Monday, when it was known Franklin was gravely ill, Beyoncé and Jay-Z paused. “This show is dedicated to Aretha Franklin,” said Beyoncé. “We love and thank you.”

Tony Bennett shared a photograph of Franklin performing at his 85th birthday. “She will be missed by the world,” he wrote.

Carole King, who wrote the song (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman for Franklin, shared a video of Franklin singing that famous song.