thunderbolt

In my formative years, my interest in 60s r&b led me to two titans of music. The first was Otis Redding, and the second was Aretha. Describing her music as “timeless” is an understatement. What I discovered in the 1980s sounded as vital and fresh as it did in the 60s. Moreover, Aretha’s songs still sound contemporary in the 21st century. Not only did her music open my ears to some of the most humanistic performances ever, but it was something that Julie and I connected over when we met. Aretha’s music was with us throughout the 90s and has since been ingrained in the lives of our kids. I’m proud that Sophie and Jacob won’t be able to tell people when they first heard “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” “I Never Loved a Man” and “Natural Woman” because those songs were always around when they were growing up. Today we lost a legend, a superlative that doesn’t seem great enough. Thank God we have the music. Her spirit will live on.   RIP Ms. Franklin.