Journalist tribute to Aretha Franklin, the People's Queen

By Mona Austin By Mona Austin At a time when superlatives are tossed around in entertainment like confetti at a New Year's Eve party, the title "Queen of Soul" will rest with its namesake, Aretha Franklin. This undisputed truth should inspire artists to always remain authentic to their natural gifts.

The master vocalist once said, "An artist must in some ways be what they sing and play about or at the very least connect to the art in a thoughtful manner. Franklin emerged from a generation singers who crafted their work with their hearts, who were not eager for the assistance of technological advancements to change what flowed from them naturally. That connection can then be transferred to the hearts and minds of those who consume the art whether with their eyes or ears and it settles in their heart and soul. Then and only then can one claim to be an original. Aretha Franklin was such an artist -- the one and only Queen of Soul.

As a journalist and fan I'd followed news about Franklin's career and personal life. The life that she lived spoke for her. She was a real person with real problems. Her voice had an undeniable honesty in singing her truth. I respect raw truth in music, whether through the way it is delivered or the message lyrically. Most of Aretha's Early music had depth on both fronts. In the 80s she went in the direction of pop and started working with Renaldo Michael Waldon on a fresher pop sound but there was no escaping the soul tone she possessed. The causes she married during the Civil Rights Movement a She loved her family and once told Oprah people would be surprised to know she was domestic. I encountered Ms. Franklin twice. The first time was at the NAACP Evening of Stars ceremony where she was honored. I found myself wondering what she was thinking as she sit up higher the the audience almost in a throne like manner. When she. I saw her again being engaged by a Canadian Reporter on the Red Carpet t the Grammys Music Cares Honors the year she was the recipient. She gave me the side-eye slightly when I tried to get in a question and only answered the person whose was directly in front of her. She was being polite and showing respect even in that moment I chose to believe. She was the queen of her craft -- the art of singing. And in that I have no choice, but to believe it. Salute, Dear Queen. You served humanity well with the legacy of respect you have left behind.