`Queen of Soul` Aretha Franklin dies at 76
(Artdaily.org)

Aretha Franklin, the music icon, legendary singer and `Queen of Soul` loved by millions whose history-making career spanned six decades, died at her Detroit home on Thursday. She was 76. She influenced generations of female singers with unforgettable hits including `Respect` (1967), `Natural Woman` (1968) and `I Say a Little Prayer` (1968). The multiple Grammy winner cemented her place in US music history with a powerful, bell-clear voice that stretched over four octaves. In a career crossing generations, her hits spanned from soul and R&B, to gospel and pop. After a long battle with pancreatic cancer, Franklin passed away at