Thread by @abefromanohio

I am sorry for Aretha’s family.

Aretha is a spectacular, uniquely American treasure - we were lucky to be alive and enjoy her genius.

Here is a thread - a moment to appreciate Aretha’s gifts, and thank a woman who gave us so much. A life that will never be repeated.

First, for you youngins here, let’s talk about one of the great live albums. Ever. Play this album now.

Turn it up.

Every child born in America, by law, should be given a birth certificate and a copy of “Aretha Franklin Live at the Fillmore West” open.spotify.com/album/2LDYdZO5…

She’s The Queen of Soul, no question - she was actually ‘coronated’ 1967 at Chicago’s Regal Theater. That’s the legend Pervis Spann presiding over an actual crown being placed on the head the then 25-year old Aretha, thus dubbed "The Queen of Soul".

That was over 50 years ago.

Here is Aretha, pre-queen coronation, in May 1964 on the Steve Allen Show. This is technically, and actually, a bop.

Try to not tap your foot - impossible (h/t Rich Kienzle)

'Respect' Wasn't A Feminist Anthem Until Aretha Franklin Made It One: as told to @nprmusic how Aretha’s version re-gendered & musically re-authored Otis Redding’s song - she icon’d his song and made it an anthem npr.org/2017/02/14/515…

Well, “icon’d” probably isn’t a verb - but maybe she “Arethea’d” some songs so well they were hers? Can we make that a verb?

She performed with so many across all genres: started in gospel at 10, released “Let It Be” before the Beatles did, played w the Stones.

Let’s appreciate the hell out her, Duane Allman, and the Muscle Shoals crew covering “The Weight” (photo Michael Ochs) open.spotify.com/track/39lw4tu2…

Her 19th album dropped in 1970 when she was 29. This is the #1 hit “Don’t Play That Song for Me” live, which aired in August of that year. Ben E. King wrote it, but know one remembers anyone but Aretha sang this song.

Aretha wasn’t just a musician; she has been a part of the fabric of American history for her entire life.

In April of 1968 Aretha sang at Dr. Martin Luther King’s memorial - her father CL & MLK were friends.

MLK’s supposed final words were for “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” to be played. Mahalia Jackson perform the song at his funeral, later Aretha sang it at Jackson’s funeral, 1972.

Aretha sang at MLK’s memorial, Mahalia Jackson’s funeral, Ms. Rosa Parks’ funeral, Albertina Walker’s funeral, sang at inaugurations, the White House, and for the Pope.

When American needs to heal, needs to sing, needs to celebrate, needs to mourn, Aretha has always been there.

At the Grammys in 1998, The Queen of Soul stepped in - at the last minute - for Opera legend Pavarotti.

That is insane (h/t @lizidavis) classicfm.com/composers/pucc…

Why you are not listing right now to Aretha & Ray live in 1971 having fun while you are reading this is beyond me @Rhino_Records

Read about her greatness more: quotes that follow are from the excellent David Remnick article “Aretha Franklin’s American Soul” @NewYorker newyorker.com/magazine/2016/…

She collects her money on the spot or doesn’t sing. Boss.

She intimidated the music legends from Muscle Shoals - great clip from the @MuscleShoalsMov

Of course, her performance at the Kennedy Center Honors is perfect (you’ll see that all internet over today).

PS When I saw Aretha in Chicago last year, she kept showing photos like this throughout the show. People she admired. She also made Jesse Jackson stand up, walk down the center aisle and sit right in front of her. Badass.

Obama said “American history wells up when Aretha sings...[she] captures the fullness of the American experience.”

And my favorite line from President Obama:

“And she just sounds so damn good. Here’s a tip: when you’re deejaying a party, open with ‘Rock Steady.’”

And while president Obama’s quote is great, the late legend & kinda Beatle Billy Preston has the best quote from the Remnick piece:

PS (here is a clip of Aretha & Billy playing together with Ray in 1970)

“But on any given night when that lady sits down at the piano and gets her body & soul all over some righteous song, she’ll scare the shit out of you.

And you’ll know-you’ll swear-that she’s still the best fuckin’ singer this fucked-up country has ever produced.” - Billy Preston

She’s so damn legendary, in 1980 Steely Dan wrote “Hey Ninteen” - a song about the disappointment of someone not knowing The Queen of Soul.

But even better is George Jackson’s 1972 ode to Aretha:

“Your records have touched so many lovers, so many times”

open.spotify.com/track/37YeLdDc…

We’ll miss her - she’s lived a long life that gave the world so much. Her story is America’s story, and they’ll never be another Aretha. I hope you are at peace, and thank you.

open.spotify.com/track/7nNGuHhX…

The fantastic @ssbrokaw just left flowers at Aretha’s birthplace, 406 Lucy Ave in Memphis.