A Soulful Noise
Happy Birthday, Aretha Franklin
To say that you love someone unconditionally means that you care about them so deeply, so readily, that no matter what they do or say, or how they act, you never waver. You have their back. That type of love never gives you pause, never makes you regret, never makes you question, or have to "think". The type of love for their talent, their ability, their quirks and idiosyncracies that surpasses all superlatives. You know that person.
That's how we here at SoulBounce feel about Ms. Aretha Louise Franklin. We love her with the type of love and recognition for the "Queen of Soul" that defines what this site is all about.
Which is Soul music, but mostly what comes from the soul. That's Aretha. She gives it to you with everything she's got, whether it be classic material or less-than-classy material. With her, everything including her fashion sense is fair game. And she wouldn't have it any other way. We tug on her "chain" of foolishness when necessary, and recognize that a rose is still a rose, even when thorns show on occasion.
Today, on this, her 67th birthday, we celebrate Ms. Franklin for what she's given us. And continues to give. Her music (20 Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and Living Legend Award), her humanity (National Medal of Arts, Presidential Medal of Freedom), her legacy (first female inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, youngest member to receive a Kennedy Center honor) and even her loose lips (taking on the world for seemingly no reason).
We love it all. And we love the Queen of Soul (and SoulBounce), Aunt Re-Re, Ms. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Uncondtionally.
Happy Birthday, Aretha Franklin.
Tags: aretha franklin
Comments
In the words of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Aretha is "our sister beloved, the one who wears the coat of many colors."
It's hard to fathom that this woman, a living icon, released her first album as a 14 year old. 53 years later, she is still the standard in which others are measured against.
Khalid | March 27, 2009 3:30 PM | PermalinkTruly, our love for Ms. Aretha is unconditional. Its the type of love we all receive from our Heavenly Father and a lucky few are blessed to find here on earth.
And what a great photo!
theLook | March 27, 2009 12:55 PM | PermalinkHappy Birthday Sister Franklin I pray in Jesus name you are enjoying your birthday with family and friends. Thank you for the years of greatness you shared with your fans for God has given you a wonderful gift we share feelings with one another. Sister Franklin you are also gifted to preach the Gospel,so tell us when will you " officially " preach your first sermon. HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUR HIGHNESS ...LONG LIVE THE QUEEN !!!
Rev. Dr. Carolyn L. Johnson | March 25, 2009 11:59 PM | PermalinkWhat would soul music be like without her? I don't even want to think about it. I hope she has an absolutely fabulous time on her birthday. All hail the Queen...
GailS | March 25, 2009 9:35 PM | PermalinkPeople can say what they want about Aretha, but I still love her. She is the epitome of soul. She has the type of voice that can shake you to the core. Very few artists can do that.
Soulrific | March 25, 2009 6:07 PM | Permalinkyou honored her well, Harlem. i'm about to put on the "Young, Gifted & Black" LP in tribute. salute to the Queen . . .
dar | March 25, 2009 5:01 PM | Permalink